Just checked the sport in today's SLP and it has a little piece on Alonso. Apparently that knock at Carshalton has still kept him out- with CP confirming he is very near to being fit and considered for the first team. Very happy with this- I thought at the start of the season that he would become a very important player. I never wanted to believe there was something odd going on behind the scenes, but with no noises coming out of the club I did wonder whether we would ever see him. Relieved perhaps being the word?
I was delighted when he signed and then started to get the feeling that perhaps he wasn't one of CP's signings when he didn't feature much in pre-season. Then I accepted that he wasn't fully fit but still felt there was something weird about the whole situation. Hopefully he will feature in the next Carling cup squad and go on to be an integral part of the team.
As good a young player I think Dale Stephens currently is (I believe he will develop into a top draw midfielder) I can see Alonso's experience and quality playing a major part in our promotion push this year. When he finally gets his chance in the first team once fit I think he will become Hollands first choice partner in centre midfield. Stephens got off to a flyer over the first few games of the season but is showing signs recently that he maybe needs to be rested for a few games. Also got Pritchard waiting in the wings for his chance to shine. We are certainly blessed with some very good midfield options this season. Shame we don't have the same depth and quality to call on in the striking department!
He will have a job replacing Stephens, Hollands or Pritchard. But competition can only be good for the team.