by devaney » Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:07 am
Alonso is cashing in on one outstanding season when he was made to look better than he is because of a much improved overall team performance.
How much were we prepared to accept in the summer of 2008 for Alonso? I have serious concerns about Xabi. Let's face it he needed a massive kick up the backside and a serious reality check before he started to play well and I don't believe he was as fantastic as some people have eluded to. Virtually no goals and a minimum number of assists and look what happened when we needed a really exceptional midfield we leaked 4 goals to Chelsea and Arsenal!
Ok I'll play devils advocate and wait for the flack!
If we can get £35m for a 28 year old who's record has been very up and down then it is something that you can't dismiss.
Mascherano is similar! Just how many times a season do we really need him? When he hasn't played we haven't lost and he gives us nothing going forward other than allowing Gerrard the freedom to attack which I admit is important but surely a more rounded player could do the same. Mascha's eventual start to the season after his other commitments was very average at best.
Net Spend Over The Last 5 Years 20/21 to 24/25 (10 years
are in brackets 15/16 to 24/25 )
LFC €300m (€420m)
Everton +€33m (€211m)
Arsenal €557m (€853m)
Spurs €571m (€684m)
Chelsea €945m (€1051m)
Man City €370m (€1038m)
Man United €687m (€1240m)