Player Profile: Xabi Alonso

Central Midfielder (NOT a defensive midfielder, as some like to think…)
17 Goals
200 Appearances (as of 3/12/2009)
Signed from Real Sociedad in 2004 for 10.7 mil

BACKGROUND BEFORE LFC

Xabi Alonso was not the most well-known commodity when he came to Liverpool, but his 10.7 mil pricetag was for a genuine reason. He was largely responsible for taking a fairly mediocre Real Sociedad side and making them a legit force in Spain. He played there regularly for three full seasons before signing on with Liverpool after impressing the manager during Euro 2004. Without many players around him at Sociedad, he helped them challenge for the La Liga title… something Sociedad has not traditionally been known for. An additional note: Xabi’s father was a professional footballer who played for an Atletico Madrid side that nearly won the European Cup but fell short to Bayern Munich.

SIGNING FOR, AND SETTLING INTO, LFC

Xabi Alonso was an immediate fixture in the Liverpool side when Rafa signed him in August of 2004. At that time, Liverpool were dreadfully short of quality and needed a creative midfielder… not just another hardman. His range of passing and defensive qualities- despite not being a natural defensive midfielder- allowed for something special in the career of Steven Gerrard: FREEDOM. Xabi’s impact was immediate, and his 10.7 million price tag was immediately understood by the Kopites, who INSTANTLY fell in love with him. It was clear from the get-go that he possessed a different class of passing, something that hadn’t been seen at the club since Jan Molby of the 1980s (and early 90s.) Let’s just say that Alonso didn’t have any growing pains.

STYLE OF PLAY

Xabi’s style is one of tempo control, creating space for himself, and making the killer pass. Xabi is not one to play short, neat passes… though he will from time to time. He likes the more raking diagonals- not long balls for knock downs, mind you- and the slide-rule type through balls for players to run onto into space. He is also quite keen on the long-range shot, scoring twice from our own end of the pitch. Xabi’s penalty taking ability is also quite good, and he has scored some very important goals. So to say he is only a creator would be unfair, as he also like to get amongst the goals. Alonso himself would claim that his main job is to neutralize the opposition and to make things happen as a result of breaking up the play… but only in a classy and spectacular manner!

BEST MOMENTS

There are several key moments so far in Alonso’s career, but the equalizer against AC Milan after being 0-3 down was obviously a major highpoint. His winner at Chelsea in 2008-2009 was of great importance, as well, and that is definitely a candidate for his best moment. But for me, my favorite moments of Alonso are his two 60+ yarders that hit the back of the net. I mean, come on. How ridiculous is that? The Luton Town goal was sloppier, but with his left foot… and the Newcastle goal was with a keeper in goal and with his right foot. Choosing between the two is tough, but the Luton Town goal was probably the more special of the two because of the quality of the match itself. Xabi certainly has given us some majestic moments (like his goals against Arsenal, Watford, Sunderland and those long-rangers) and some important moments (the Chelsea, AC Milan, and Blackburn goals). He has had MANY legendary Liverpool moments, that is for sure.

TOUGH TIMES

The 2007-2008 season and the summer of 2008 with the Gareth Barry transfer saga were low points for Alonso. His impact was starting to dip, and it was becoming clear that Rafa was thinking of looking elsewhere. Gone was the accuracy of passes, the ability to score goals, and the impact he was having on matches. Alonso was becoming almost extraneous with Mascherano coming into the side. But when Rafa went to the new 4-2-3-1 formation, Alonso regained his worth and natural position to the side. He was no longer being asked to play as a defensive midfielder, as Monster Masch was now in that role. Xabi could once again express himself, and the 2008-2009 season has been a fine one for the young Spaniard. These tough times nearly ended his time with us, with Juventus and Arsenal knocking quite loudly at the door, but eventually things turned out for us and Xabi Alonso stayed at the club. Woo hoo!

2008-2009 SEASON VERDICT

In a poll taken at the new year, Xabi Alonso was voted as our best player of the season up to that point. It was a well-deserved honor, as he was not only scoring goals, but providing them and making an impact out on the pitch. Some of his passes this seasons have been mesmerizing, and he has also almost TWICE scored from behind the halfway mark, missing by inches on both occasions. Alonso’s role as central midfielder next to the defensively minded Mascherano has revived his career with us, and his impact has been immense. Goals against Chelsea and Blackburn came at key moments, and he has been a constant terror in a lot of our “bigger” matches this year. Probably, behind Gerrard, our most influential player this season.

LFC CAREER VERDICT

Alonso’s career started off brilliantly, instantly becoming a legend at the club. His first two seasons were out of this world, playing completely out of his skin and providing us with some very memorable moments. The next two seasons saw a dip in form, though all of the supporters were beginning to think that perhaps he was being played out of position and that Rafa was unfairly losing faith in him. He was starting to lose enjoyment out on the field, and it was quite apparent. But the change of formation did Xabi a whole lot of good, and the 2008-2009 season has been one of his finest. Xabi has been at the club for five seasons, and he is considered by many as one of the club’s best ever passers of the ball. His vision is extraordinary, and he has certainly become a Kop legend. Xabi Alonso will never be forgotten on Merseyside. A MAJOR hit for Rafa in the transfer market, that’s for damn sure!