[talismanicme]

Originally Posted by Xgenre

Well, Alonso played much better last season than the season before. $23 million pounds for a 27 yr old is good money. Remember last season where the rumours are that Alonso will join Arsenal for $12 million pounds? At least the price tag is more worthy of Alonso. Please remember for a Spaniard, RM is a big team. Alonso himself might be tempted to return to sunny spain for such a big club. I JUST HOPE WE DON'T SELL ALONSO AND REPLACE HIM WITH LUCAS! Barry again? If Rafa can use the money to strengthen quite a few positions, Rafa just might be tempted. We will definitely need to replace Hyypia now. Maybe Agger will want to stay now.

In Rafa we trust?


RAFA: WE ARE LOSING A LEGEND
Jimmy Rice 20 May 2009

Rafa Benitez admits Liverpool will be losing a legend when Anfield bids farewell to Sami Hyypia on Sunday. The 35-year-old Finn will leave on a free this summer after agreeing a two-year deal with German outfit Bayer Leverkusen.

Benitez is yet to decide his starting XI for the season finale against Tottenham but, whether or not he starts, Hyypia can expect an emotional reception following a decade of faultless service. "Yes, I think Liverpool are losing a legend," said the Kop boss. "For years he has been so good. He has scored important goals and has been very, very good in defence. Clearly we are losing an important player.

"He will get a fantastic reception from the fans. They are amazing and they recognise when someone has been a very good servant to the club. "He is a fantastic professional and a very good person, and the fans know this. "It's good as a manager that, when you have a player with his name and experience, he still wants to learn. I have been really pleased working with him." Hyypia has not featured since his awesome display in the 4-1 victory at Old Trafford on March 14.

if we need to win the title next season, there is no way we should sell alonso. if he's gone our change of play will be affected much. gareth barry is good but he isn't a patch on alonso. In terms of consistency and effect on the game, Alonso was better. We need to stop thinking of offloading alonso. our back 4 plus mach/alonso is solid, and great for possession football. Alonso & Masch both tackle/intercept a lot. Alonso very rarely gets tackled, maintains posession and makes things very difficult for the opposing team. We should not be swapping one strength for another. We should be plugging the holes. i say we get barry and offload lucas. just giving my opinion here.