Rafa's Dilemma: Jay Spearing or Damien Plessis to Step Up?

Both Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano are wanted by Spanish giants, Real Madrid and Barcelona. Although Rafa Benitez has reiterated his desire to keep the duo, both Real Madrid and Barcelona are still keen to lure Alonso and Mascherano.

Liverpool fans were given a scare a few weeks back when Real Madrid came knocking with a big offer for Alonso, including several players as makeweight. Things got worse when Alonso refused to pledge his future in Liverpool during an interview.

However, Alonso responded again the following day stating clearly that he has no intention of leaving Anfield this summer. He also denied that his relationship with Rafa has deteriorated.

With Alonso looking to stay, Rafa was given another headache when both Real Madrid and Barcelona declared their interests in Mascherano. His agent, Walter Tamer has reportedly flown to Barcelona and held talks with the Catalan club regarding a possible transfer.

Many fans did not believe what the agent said about the Argentina skipper's desire to play for Barcelona.

Earlier this week, fans were stunned by Mascherano's comment in an interview.

"I am very proud and thankful for the interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid. It's good for me to have these two teams interested in me," he told Don Balon.

"Both teams are very important but at this moment I think that Barcelona is a little bit better and that's why they've won all that they have."

Showing respect to clubs interested in you is a normal response, but highlighting and comparing both teams tell you that Mascherano has a slight tendency towards an exit.

Whether or not the duo remains in Liverpool next season, Rafa will still need more players in that department. Assuming Steven Gerrard continues playing behind Fernando Torres next season with Alonso and Mascherano sitting firmly behind Gerrard, Rafa will need several back-ups.

Rafa never look like selling Lucas, so at least one more holding midfielder is needed in the team. I hope Rafa doesn't opt to buy one as there are two young midfielders eagerly waiting to become a first-team regular.

They are Jay Spearing and Damien Plessis. Both have already made their debuts but were only used as "freelance" first-teamers last season.

Damien Plessis made his shocking first-team debut in April 2008 against Arsenal. Aging 21, the towering holding midfielder has played a total of seven competitive first team games so far, scoring a goal in the process.

The former Lyon midfielder is dubbed as the new Patrick Vieira by many. Plessis has represented France in all youth levels, from under-17 to under-21. His physique will surely be an advantage for him to become a Premiership star in the future.

Jay Spearing made his first-team debut in December 2008, coming on as a substitute against PSV Eindhoven in a Champions League tie. He was given a taste of a big match in his second of two appearances thus far, coming on from the bench as Liverpool trashed Real Madrid 4-0 at Anfield.

What the Wirral-born player lacks in height, he makes up in determination and energy. Spearing is very much of the same mould as Mascherano physically, short but stocky. Being a product of Liverpool's Academy, he will most probably be in Rafa's long-term planning and featuring among the substitutes for competitive first-team games next season will not surprise anybody.

As a Liverpool fan, I would want to see both Alonso and Mascherano to be Liverpool players for many years to come. And I am also looking forward to Lucas' improvement next season. I'd love to have both Spearing and Plessis in the first team but if there is only room for one, who would you prefer to be a first-team regular?