There's absolutly no coincidence that we started playing better when Xabi came from injury. People who think the game is all about last ditch slide tackles or running a million miles, will see the importance of Alonso if he goes. Alonso has a great footballing brain. Better than anyone else's in our team. He's one step ahead of the play all the time. His positional sense means he's in the right places before most other's see them. When he plays are midfielders and defenders always have an outlet i.e the simple ball to his feet, as he's generally unmarked. People moan about him losing the ball. That's generally the fault of those in front of him who've failed to give him an option and are marked. He's not the fastest player we've ever had, but nor was Fowler. Their reading of the game means their always one step ahead of the rest. If we sell Alonso to bring in Gareth Barry, who although is a good playe, then i really don't know what to think. If Alonso hadn't of went off against Arsenal at the start of the season then there's no way we draw that game. As i said, absolutly no coincidence we were poor for most of the period he was injured, and better again when he returned.