Gareth Barry or Xabi Alonso?
Todays set of romours see Arsenal linked with Xabi Alonso, the Liverpool midfielder looked to be on his way to Juventus but once Juventus signed Christian Poulsen from Sevilla they withdrew there offer.
Alonso is priced at £14million and liverpool need to sell him for the own bid for Gareth Barry. Alonso as spoken about how Arsenal would be a good move because he sees the way Arsenal play as perfect for his own style.
But once again today we have story’s that Arsenal are about to move for Gareth Barry with it been suggested that once Gilberto completes his move away from the club Arsenal will be in a position to meet Aston Villas asking price.
So who would you like to see at Arsenal next season Barry or Alonso? discuss it at Goonersworld
July 16, 2008 at 11:42 am
Definitely Alonso, he’s quicker and more reliable and above all he’s not English (laughs)
July 16, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Alonso is a better choice than Barry
July 16, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I think Alonso would probably be better suited for Arsenal because he’s a better passer of the ball in my opinion and the man he would partner in the middle is Cesc, his spanish compatriot. Also seems like he would be the cheaper option
July 16, 2008 at 12:08 pm
G.Barry, - that will be the best way to psychological dent L’pool’s confidence just the way we did United’s over Ramsey
July 16, 2008 at 1:10 pm
ALONSO- william, its not about denting other teams confidence, its about improving our team. And alonso is a better player.
July 16, 2008 at 1:22 pm
i trust xabi,
July 16, 2008 at 1:34 pm
Wenger is interested in Garath Barry. MON stated that.
Alonso is interested in Arsenal. Alonso stated that ……. Not Arsenal.
July 16, 2008 at 2:13 pm
I think it would be a good deal. However, I haven’t seen much of Alonso’s defensive capabilities, unless he’s in the same mould as Senna or even Gilberto, i.e. the invisible wall; getting crucial interceptions and the like. I guess the same could be said of Diaby then, but still.
I think he’s bring more options to the team when we attack, definitely. Good passing range, short and long, something we lack, and could bring another dimension to our game, particularly if Ade stays. Look at the number of times Ade’s scored off a long ball.
July 16, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Xabi Alonso is one quality midfielder and I hope to God we get him. He can only make a team better. He is solid defensively i think when he plays he makes Stevie Me (Gerard look good)which he happily takes 100% credit for’ plus he has som shot on him which would be good for us.
July 16, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Alonso is quicker and a better passer than Barry. Neither are both like flamini’s tough tackling style but i would welcome Xabi with open arms. I wouldn’t be so enthusiastic with Barry.
July 16, 2008 at 7:07 pm
Xabi Alonso.It would be a good deal he is solid defensively. Good passing range, can shoot from long range,and finally He is interested in Arsenal(reason enough for me).
July 16, 2008 at 7:36 pm
Alonso-Spaniard and compatriot of Cesc (+); performed at highest levels of football, CL and with Spain (although not much pt in Euro2008)(+); knows EPL (+); good passer and holds the ball well (+)
Barry-I really don’t know enough about him, but from the little I’ve seen on YouTube and read, AV revolves around him (+); he’s very comfortable with both feet (+); he’s English (+seriously)
To be quite frank, I think this position is very important for Arsenal (as with any club). The pivot/holding/defensive/Makele-role midfielder is the spine of the team. I loved Vieria (athletic, all-heart and fire [like a good Englishmen-not to be stereotypical], high work rate, plugged into the attack when he sensed he had the space, good/comfortable on the ball, ferocious in the tackle).
I liked Gilberto and cannot for the life of me understand how he went from captain one year and the next, is riding the pine. But he possessed characterstics that I think were good for the position: tough, defensive-minded but has that crucial ability to start the buildup/attack or possess the ball; appeared comfortable on the ball (like all good Brazilians).
I think Cesc does better with someone like that. It would allow him the ability to create, which he can does in spades (what a chip on the 2d goal against the Russians in the semis!). Alonso, while classy and sophisticated, seems a little slow, lacking a little fire (a little passion).
More Gatusso, less Pirlo.
July 16, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Um all down for Alonso mainly coz of his passing range and willingness to take a pop at goal,i guess Barry will be that good though but geuss i will go for Alonso coz he will be less expensive than Barry although i would like Barry so that media will get off our backs for a while about all this english nonsense.
July 17, 2008 at 2:54 pm
alonso is younger and cheaper than barry he also has more european experience under his belt were as barry is only looking to start playing in europe.barrys international carrer is only up and running too.i can still see neither of them at the emirates next year.
July 21, 2008 at 11:12 am
alonso is past it!
2 years ago he would’ve been ideal. Why is he good enough for arsenal but not liverpool.
i understand arsene wanting experience, but i feel he should trust his youth, like he did with flamini and he was great last year.