From what I've read about Lavezzi, he seems to be a striker who thrives off freedom. He can play either side, but if he was to play wide, he'd be better in a 4-3-3 like Barca's. He sounds promising from what I've read, but I just want to avoid another Keane situation, with an unnecessary player sat on the bench because our forward partnership is perfect. If he can play on the wing equally well and add the creativity we lack, then I won't be too fussed, but I'd still rather see somebody like Silva being our first choice left winger/back up to Gerrard, than somebody like Lavezzi.

Plenty of that in Serie A... the Premier League is a different story.

I agree. I was watching him the other day and he picked up the ball in the middle of the field, ran directly through their side and into the box, facing a few very weak challenges, although it looked impressive; would he do that against vermin like Stoke? Would he be able to run from midfield and into the box facing a few weak challenges and hardly any traffic? I doubt it. Although we're good at shifting it about and giving players space to move, sometimes we need somebody who can produce something out of the hat when our backs are against the wall, when we're struggling like mad and facing the great wall of China. Not sure if Lavezzi does this, he's probably a better runner and dribbler than Silva, but Silva's passing is so good.

When Owen signed for Madrid he'd run around like a blue-arsed fly only to realise he was already in acres of space compared to the Premier League.
The Spanish league has changed a lot and there isn't half as much space.

A few of my Madrid supporting friends have said to me that although Ibrahamovic does it in Serie A, would he be as effective in La Liga.

Ibra's a bit of an enigma. It's clear to see he has bags of ability. He's pretty quick, strong, tall, creative, has brilliant control and seems to score a lot in Italy, but for some reason he always looks so average. I said years ago he's the type of player I'd like to see under a really disciplined manager, I thought he'd have been a good signing for United a few years back, I thought Fergie could have maximized his potential, but I don't think he'd do too well in England now, too lazy and not got the balls.

As for Ibra in la liga, his height could be effective, but his style of play completely contradicts his size and physical appearance. You'd expect him to be dominating defenders, but he only seems effective when dropping deep. A bit like Berba, actually.

Martinez would be a great signing for Liverpool.
20 years old and helped Athletic get to the Copa Del Ray final. He is a talented player with good feet and he is big and strong aswell.

Being bought for 6 million euros at 17 years of age must mean someone thought highly of him.

I think he could easily make the step into the PL when Alonso leaves.

Yeah but could he make the step up to our level?

Alonso's been at the club for about 5 years now, and this year was without doubt his best and most consistent. I've always had mixed opinions on Alonso over the years, doubting whether he was up to it in England. This year he finally shows us what he's all about and we have our best season in years. Martinez, although good, isn't at Alonso's level, I think he'd take a few years to get there, and he'd take a bit to adapt in England.

Letting key players go and replacing them with unproven youngsters could set us back a few years. Just ask Wenger.

Alonso played well pretty much since he arrived at Liverpool, no denieng that this has been his best season, but i think thats because the spotlight in the midfield has been put onto him now with Gerrard moving alongside Torres. I agree he has been integral to us finishing 2nd and alongside Mascherano he has been fantastic

Martinez is in the same mould as Alonso though, i would have no worries about his adaptability with players like Torres, Arbeloa and Reina to talk to about Liverpool and the PL in general. Alonso didnt have this so that is why he perhaps took longer to adjust. Martinez is not an unproven youngster, he has played 90+ games for Athletic in 3 seasons.

Tony Adams to be new Celtic boss

According to Adams anyway?

Farsley?