Do They Want Him

[GoonerMan]

He's 28. Would cost over 40 mil. Makes stupid fouls and therefore gets red cards which wouldn't make it possible for him to play games for Madrid in possibly big games --> him being the only defensive midfielder in the team: big liability! No way to know if he could adapt to his new environment in the country and league.

Or would you rather get another player. Somebody else entirely, like for example (just an example ) Xabi Alonso

22 years. Would cost around 20 mil. Doesn't make stupid fouls which would make him a liability. In the last 3 seasons had a better scoring average than Vieira as well in the league. Potentially an even better player. Already lives in Spain and plays in the league, not much reason to adapt.

Xabi is just an example.

Inspired by the Do you want RvN? thread which was a smashing success if you ask me. I also believe it had an impact in the number of "you can't get him, he's not for sale" posts going down, because in fact nobody here really cared.

(Taken From The Real Madrid Forum)

is this guy being serious? he must be joking, hed rather have Xabi Alonso? mind u he is younger, would cost less and is spanish, i think. he will settle straight away but i dont think he would have as bigger short term impact as big pat.

[ATL_Goonah]

(Taken From The Real Madrid Forum)

is this guy being serious? he must be joking, hed rather have Xabi Alonso? mind u he is younger, would cost less and is spanish, i think. he will settle straight away but i dont think he would have as bigger short term impact as big pat.

I think the poster you quote was taking a long term view, which is probably the correct view really, but I think we've seen Real's policies in effect and basically they don't seem to plan that way, just react. Every year they feel they should win several trophies. Buying Vieira is all about winning the CL this time round, and maybe next year, along with la Primera. If he's rubbish after that, they'll splash out more cash on the next "best defensive mid in the game" or galactico or whatever, especially if he seems quite marketable. How else would Real end up with a midfield crowded with players, spectaculor yes, but with their best days behind them - and few opportunities for them to blood their younger players. How can you get a game if Zidane is in front of you? Simple, you don't very often, so Real just buy someone proven from elsewhere once he's gone.