I agree Gerrard is best played between the lines but if Alonso cannot be replaced by a new player it seems the logical thing to do.
Why doesn't Rafa trust Gerrard in the middle? Don't follow you Emp... the only reason Rafa played Gerrard on the right for a season was because we never had anyone else. And although the pundits gave rafa [oops] (surprise surprise) for not playing our only world class player in the middle, Gerrard scored a shed-load that season and made God knows how many assists! but of course that was conveniently ignored...
For me thats where Gerrard had his best season playing on the right hand side, he scored more than 20 goals and was part of the best midfield we have had in recent seasons with Alonso and Sissoko in the middle with the horrible Kewell on the left, by the way Gerrard won the proper player of the year award that season the one the players vote for not football writers who have never kicked a ball in there life, so he was recognised.
but if we can get £35m for him I'm sure Rafa will be able to sort something even if it means a reshuffle with say buying a top striker to partner Torres with Gerrard dropping to a deeper role? Not the best solution perhaps but replacing Xabi will be very difficult...