Liverpool Determined to Keep Hold of Midfield Duo

Liverpool have again ruled out the departures of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano after reported interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Barcelona are amongst the sides said to be chasing Argentina captain Mascherano, while big spending Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has already stated his interest in Xabi Alonso. However Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has made it clear that he does not want either player to leave and according to a statement on the club’s website: “Liverpool has received no official approach or offer from any club regarding the players… Neither is for sale”.

Last season saw Liverpool finish as league top scorers and achieve their highest ever Premier League points total. This was in no small part thanks to the central midfield trio of Gerrard, Alonso and Mascherano. By playing Alonso and Mascherano in holding roles, captain Steven Gerrard was allowed more freedom; a tactical switch that has clearly contributed to Liverpool’s new-found attacking threat.

With transfer funds limited, many managers would have been tempted to cash in on at least one of the players but not Benitez it seems. After hearing claims that Barcelona were interested in Mascherano, the Spaniard was quick and firm with his response: “Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool – they can offer £50million, we don’t want to sell,”

He continued: “Clubs can forget about bidding for him – he has no price and he’s happy here.”

But While Mascherano’s future has rarely been in doubt, the same cannot be said for Xabi Alonso. The 27 year old came within a whisker of a transfer away from Anfield last summer, with Gareth Barry set to replace him. However neither deal came to fruition and Alonso went on to enjoy arguably his best season at the club.

So while many around Europe are splashing the cash, Liverpool and Rafa Benitez can be content by merely keeping what they already possess. Given their last 14 games of the season reaped 11 wins and 43 goals that may not be a bad policy.

By Josh Allen