BoyBlue_1985 said:
I think it depends on price whether or not he should be disregarded. I would rather look to the future and be a little week in midfield for a year or 2 rather than spend net £35 mill on a stop gap as such. Alonso, Xavi, Pirlo will always be top class regardless of age as they never relied on pace to do what they need to.
And De Rossi is two years younger than Barry, so even if we only got 2 or 3 top years out of him, he could definitely turn us from a very good side to a great one.
Giggs hasn't been good since 1999. Living the rag media myth since then
Why would it be a stop gap? At 29 he's got 5 years at the very top left in him, we've not got many players who've been with us for 5 years. Also makes sense as it gives Rodwell time to develop and learn from the best.
I agree Alonso, Xavi and Pirlo never relied on pace, but you seem to be suggesting De Rossi does? He's brilliant at winning the ball back, but don't underestimate his quality on the ball. His range of passing is similar to Alonso, and although not quite as impressive as Pirlo's, he's not far behind. Completely different player to Xavi so no point comparing.
Scholes hasn't been good for the last 10 years? What are you smoking?! He's only moved in to that deep lying playmaker role in the last 5 years, and has been an absolute revelation there for the Shite.
Giggs has also changed his game since 99, he's not played as a bombarding winger for years, but don't underestimate his quality and intelligence on the ball. He's won about 8 titles since 99, averaging about 30 games a season and being a key player for them, so I've got no idea what you are basing that on!
I really rate Barry, and there are very few players in the world who could easily replace him and improve us straight away. As a like for like swap for Barry, De Rossi is the best player in the world we could sign. Better than Busquests, better than Martinez, better all round than Alonso.