Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso.jpg
Personal information
Full name Xabier Alonso Olano
Date of birth 25 November 1981 (1981-11-25) (age 27)
Place of birth    Tolosa, Basque Country, Spain
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Playing position Centre midfielder
Club information
Current club Liverpool
Number 14
Youth clubs
Antiguoko
Senior clubs1
Years Club App (Gls)*
1999–2004
2000–2001
2004–		 Real Sociedad
→ SD Eibar (loan)
Liverpool		 0119 0(9)
014 0(0)
123 (12)   
National team2
2003– Spain 053 0(3)

1 Senior club appearances and goals
counted for the domestic league only and
correct as of 13:46, 15 November 2008 (UTC).
2 National team caps and goals correct
as of 15 October 2008.
* Appearances (Goals)
This is a Spanish name; the first family name is Alonso and the second is Olano.

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso (pronounced "Shabi"; born 25 November 1981) is a Spanish footballer who plays for English Premier League club Liverpool F.C. and the Spanish national team. He is a central defensive midfielder, often playing as a deep-lying playmaker.

Alonso began his career at Real Sociedad, and after a brief loan period at SD Eibar returned to the La Liga club. John Toshack appointed Alonso as his team captain and Alonso succeeded in the role, taking Real Socieded to second place in the 2002–03 season. The Spaniard moved to Liverpool in August 2004 for £10.5 million. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the Community Shield and the FA Cup.

Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and the 2006 World Cup. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. He won the Euro 2008 tournament with Spain, his highest career honour to date.

Contents

Biography

Early life

Alonso was born into a family known for its footballing prowess. His father, 'Periko' Alonso won the Spanish league twice in successive seasons with Real Sociedad and a third time after he moved to FC Barcelona. He also featured in the national team, winning 20 caps over the course of his career.[1] Born in Tolosa, a small Basque town, Xabi Alonso lived in Barcelona for the first six years of his life and moved to San Sebastián thereafter. It was here that his passion for football began as he whiled away his childhood playing at Playa de la Concha (Shell Beach).[1] On the Basque sands Alonso befriended a fellow resident of Calle Matia, Mikel Arteta, and the two would battle each other in exhibitions of technical ability.[2] He was immersed in football and his father would often bring him and his older brother, Mikel, to CE Sabadell's training ground to practise together. Alonso was influenced by his father's playing, taking more pleasure in passing the ball well than shooting at goal.[3] At an early age he decided to play as a defensive midfielder: a role which helped him learn how to distribute the ball well. This talent would later prove to be an integral part of his club and international career.[1]

Alonso and Arteta were ambitious and dreamed of playing alongside each other for Real Sociedad when they were older. Though they attended different schools, the two young players joined forces at the local youth side Antiguoko, playing games at the weekend. Their performances attracted the attention of scouts from top Spanish sides and the young Donostiarras separated ways, ending nine years of friendly rivalry, as Alonso went to feeder club Real Sociedad and Arteta moved to Catalan giants Barcelona.[4] However, Alonso's move to Real Sociedad was not a companionless one as he was joined by his older brother Mikel Alonso who had also become an adept player.[1]

Alonso progressed through the youth ranks and the reserve team at Real Sociedad and impressed enough to earn a first team debut at the age of 18.[3] He made his first senior appearance against Logroñés CF in December 1999 in a Copa del Rey match.[5] Alonso failed to make another appearance in the season but the following year brought more opportunities. At the beginning of the 2000–01 season, Javier Clemente sent Alonso to Segunda División team SD Eibar to gain experience. Alonso's father particularly felt the move to the smaller club improved him as a player.[3] However, a quick turnover of managers, including a two month period with 'Periko' Alonso in charge, left Real Sociedad in a dire situation. By January 2001 Real Sociedad were bottom of the league and the new manager, John Toshack, turned to the prodigious Alonso in the hope of reversing the team's fortunes. In a surprise move, the Welsh manager made 19 year old Alonso the team captain, a position traditionally held by more senior players.[1] By the end of the season Sociedad had climbed out of the relegation zone and finished in 14th place.[6] Toshack lauded Alonso, noting that the impression he had on the team was exceptional, especially for a player from the youth-team.[1]

Real Sociedad

Under the guidance of John Toshack, Alonso's captaincy marked a resurgence of form for Real Sociedad. Toshack recognised Alonso's potential and invested much time in his young captain, creating a training method designed to improve his touch and control specifically for him.[7] The team cemented their mid-table position in the 2001–02, finishing in 13th place. Alonso appeared consistently in La Liga with 30 appearances over the course of the season and also scored his first league goal, finishing with a season total of 3. Real Sociedad's management changed again in the summer of 2002 with the arrival of Raynald Denoueix but Alonso kept his place in the first team on the strength of his past performance.[8]

The 2002–03 season was the club's best league performance since the 1981-1982 season in which they won the league. The Basque team finished second, two points behind Real Madrid, setting a club record for their highest ever points total and qualifying for the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Alonso received much praise for his role in the team's success and was given the Best Spanish Player award by Spanish sports magazine Don Balón.[9] In addition, Alonso significantly contributed to the team's goal tally, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.[10] His performances earned Alonso national repute and Iñaki Sáez, the coach of the Spanish national team, called him up for La Selección. Alonso made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 friendly win over Ecuador.[11] Sáez raved over Alonso saying: "He has a fantastic range of accurate passing [and] sees football with an extraordinary clarity".[1]

The 2003–04 season comprised mixed results for Alonso and his San Sebastián club. Alonso revelled in the opportunity to perform in Europe, appearing in all the team's games, and Real Sociedad qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League. However, the team struggled under the pressure of the extra matches and were promptly knocked out of the tournament by Lyon and finished 15th in La Liga.[10] The combination of Alonso's outstanding performances and the team's poor league finish made a move away from Estadio Anoeta inevitable. Despite interest from La Liga champions Real Madrid, Alonso remained committed to Real Sociedad.[1] Madrid failed to meet the £13 million price tag that Jose Luis Astiazaran, the Real Sociedad president, had placed on Alonso and the deal reached a stalemate.[10]

Alonso had other concerns and focused on international duty with Spain at the Euro 2004 tournament. He made a substitute appearance in Spain's 1–0 victory against Russia and played a full 90 minutes against Portugal. However, Alonso was deprived of the prospect of further appearances after Spain failed to progress from the group stage — usurped by finalists Greece and Portugal.[11] Despite the fact that Alonso's appearance at the tournament was brief, he caught the attention of retired footballer Jan Molby who was impressed with his precise passing abilities.[1]

The summer transfer window at Real Sociedad saw the arrival of Alonso's childhood friend Mikel Arteta.[12] Arteta was ecstatic at the prospect of partnering Alonso in midfield but his excitement was short lived.[2] Alonso was not picked for Real Sociedad's pre-season friendlies, signalling that an offer by Liverpool F.C. was being treated seriously.[12] The Basque side announced on 20 August 2004 that they had made a deal worth £10.5 million with Liverpool and Alonso had agreed terms with the Merseyside team.[13][5] Alonso did not lament the fact that a move to Madrid, a city reviled by many vascos, had not materialised. Instead he concentrated on integrating with the new Spanish contingent at Liverpool under the guidance of, ex-Valencia coach, Rafael Benítez.[1]

Liverpool

2004–05: Champions League victory

Alonso's arrival at Liverpool, along with Luis García from FC Barcelona, marked the beginning of a new era at Anfield. Liverpool's new coach Rafael Benítez sought to revolutionise the club and completely overhauled the squad, impressing his own management style and tactics upon the team.[14] The technical Spaniards were Benítez's first signings and he remarked that their emphasis of skill over strength offered something different to the team.[13][15] Alonso made his Premiership debut for the Merseysiders against Bolton Wanderers at The Reebok Stadium on 29 August 2004.[5] Liverpool lost the fixture 1–0 but Alonso was already receiving praise for his passing skills from the press.[16] A Premier League tie against Fulham displayed more of Alonso's talents. Liverpool were losing 2–0 at half-time and Benítez brought on Alonso as a substitute after the break. His arrival revived a deflated Liverpool and the game finished 4–2 to the Merseyside team.[17] Furthermore, Alonso scored from a free kick to bring Liverpool ahead of the opposition — his first goal for the team.[18]

Alonso with teammate Dirk Kuyt at Liverpool

Alonso continued to provide important goals for the club, scoring his first goal at Anfield against Arsenal in a 2–1 victory.[19] Alonso was elated at the achievement and felt he was settling in well in England.[20] The Arsenal game marked the return of Steven Gerrard from injury but Alonso's midfield partnership with the team captain came to a halt when Alonso suffered his first setback at Liverpool. Alonso's ankle was broken following a tackle from Frank Lampard in Liverpool's 1-0 defeat against Chelsea on New Year's Day 2005 and the Spaniard was ruled out of action for three months.[21][22]

He made his return to the first team in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against Juventus. Alonso was not at full fitness but, as Steven Gerrard was injured, he played for the full 90 minutes and Liverpool held the score at 0–0 in Italy, defeating the eventual Italian Champions on aggregate.[23] Kevin McCarra of The Guardian paid testament to Alonso's skill and dedication to the game, saying: "This marvellously accomplished footballer testified in the Stadio delle Alpi that technique can overcome a serious physical disadvantage".[24] In the next round against Chelsea, Alonso received a yellow card in a tense and scrappy 0–0 draw at Stamford Bridge, making him suspended for the following fixture.[25] Alonso was distraught that he would miss the game and vehemently contested the referee's decision to no avail.[26][27] Gerrard returned from injury for the second leg, however, and the captain steered his team to a 1–0 win with the help of a Luis García goal, qualifying for the final against A.C. Milan.[28]

Liverpool's fifth place finish in the Premiership left much to be desired but debut season glory still awaited Alonso in the form of the Champions League final. The team fell three goals behind Milan but completed a dramatic second-half comeback.[29] Liverpool, trailing 3–2, were awarded a penalty and it was decided that Alonso would take the spot kick. While Dida, Milan's acclaimed Brazilian goalkeeper, managed to save the penalty Alonso fired the rebound into the roof of the net, bringing the score to 3–3.[30] Extra time passed without a goal from either team and Liverpool won 3–2 in the penalty shootout.[31] Alonso was praised for his pivotal influence on the team's comeback and manager Benítez reinforced his importance to the team.[32][33][34] Alonso was ecstatic with the win, commenting: "This is the best moment in my professional career".[35] This marked a very successful first year in England for Alonso and victory in the final of the biggest European club competition signified a bright future for the 23-year-old.

2005–06: FA Cup winner

Alonso was ever-present in the first team in the 2005–06 season, largely avoiding injuries that had marred his first season at the club. The summer transfer window brought Peter Crouch to Liverpool and the striker's height sparked accusations that the team would change to long ball tactics. Crouch denied this, highlighting that Alonso's passing ability, alongside Gerrard, would define Liverpool's style of play.[36] Alonso faced more competition for his place in the form of new arrival Mohamed Sissoko. However, Steven Gerrard's injuries and Rafael Benítez's favouring of a 4-5-1 formation ensured Alonso's place in the team. Alonso appeared in all of Liverpool's games in the Champions League but the dominance shown in the previous season had gone as the team lost to Benfica in the knockout stage.

On 7 January 2006, in an FA Cup third-round tie against Luton Town, Alonso assisted Liverpool to a 5–3 comeback victory after being down 3–1 early in the second half.[37] Alonso scored two impressive goals from distance: one from 35 yards, and the other 65 yards from goal; behind the half-way line.[38][5] Consequently, Alonso's goals marked a stroke of luck for a Liverpool fan who won £25,000 from a £200 bet on Alonso scoring from within his own half.[39] Alonso suffered an ankle injury in a 3–1 victory over Portsmouth, putting his participation in the FA Cup final in doubt.[40] However, he recovered sufficiently to start the game against West Ham United and Gerrard scored Liverpool's third goal from Alonso's free kick, pulling the team ahead of the opposition. Alonso, still affected by the injury, could not manage the whole 90 minutes and was substituted in the second half. Liverpool won on penalties without his help but Alonso still earned his first FA Cup winners' medal.[41]

Alonso was named in the Spanish squad for the 2006 World Cup and he scored Spain's first goal of the tournament, his first international goal, against Ukraine on 14 June 2006.[42] Despite a successful group phase, where Spain won all their games, Alonso did not achieve international glory as the team were beaten by the eventual finalists France in the first knockout stage of the tournament.[43]

2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons

On 20 September 2006 Alonso scored what the BBC described as "an outrageous strike" from his own half in a 2–0 Premiership win against Newcastle.[44] Andy Hunter of The Independent described it as "one of the most audacious goals in Anfield's rich 115-year history".[45] Alonso rebutted claims that his 70 yard goal was all down to luck and stated that he took long range shots as part of his training routine.[46] Despite the similarity of the goals struck from inside his own half, Alonso was in no doubt which was his best. He said, "I think this was better. The Luton goal bounced a few times, this one went quite straight. The Luton one was left-footed - it was different - but I am quite happy to score the goal."[47] It was his first goal for Liverpool since the goal against Luton, making it two consecutive goals from inside his own half of the pitch.[44]

On 8 June 2007 Alonso signed a five-year contract, undermining a flurry of transfer rumours. He had settled in well at Liverpool and after signing the contract extension he stated: "I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my idea to stay here. I have been here for three seasons now and have such special feelings for the club and the supporters. I understand what Liverpool means to so many people. It is such a special club and I just didn't want to leave."[48] The 2007–08 season started well for the Spaniard: Gerrard's absence led to Alonso playing in a more advanced position and he scored twice in a 6–0 rout against Premier League newcomers Derby County.[49][50] However, the bright beginning was short-lived as a minor injury sustained in a game against Portsmouth became aggravated in training.[51] The metatarsal injury forced him out of training for six weeks but his return to the first team was rushed and his injury recurred in his first game back. Alonso's determination and passion proved to be his downfall and he later reflected: "I had been feeling a bit tired around that time because it was only my first game back and the match was very fast. But as a player you don't want to come off, particularly when the team is winning and I stayed on."[52]

Alonso returned from injury at the end of 2007 but over the following months he increasingly faced competition for a place in midfield from Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva.[53][54] His role in Liverpool's five man midfield role was assured, however, as Rafael Benítez regarded him as "a top class player", stating that Alonso had the ability to change games and break down the opposition's defence.[55][56]

Euro 2008 winner and 2008–09 season

Liverpool's 2007-08 season finished trophyless but the opportunity to win honours awaited Alonso in the form of the Euro 2008 tournament. Spain went on to win the tournament and he featured in four of Spain's six matches.[57] Speaking to Guillem Balague, he said that Spain's victory was deserved and the players' teamwork had been crucial to the team's undefeated run in the tournament. The Basque was ecstatic at the achievement, declaring "Right now, we’re all just living the moment. It’s incredible and we’re all walking around in a dream. It’s fantastic".[58] Alonso's international success continued as he scored twice in a 0–3 win in a friendly against Denmark in August.[59]

The 2008 summer transfer window suggested a move away from Merseyside as Liverpool pursued England international Gareth Barry to replace Alonso.[60] By the start of the 2008–09 season, neither Alonso or Barry had moved club but the drawn-out transfer saga had left the Spaniard feeling unsettled at Liverpool and unsure of his position in the team.[61][62] However, the club's fans did much to restore his spirits, supporting him on and off the pitch, and Alonso responded to this, saying:

"[The fans] couldn't have done more to show me how they felt... If I went out for lunch or a coffee, there was always someone who would come over and say, 'We'd love you to stay'. I'm just glad that, in the end, nothing came of it [the transfer] because it wasn't something I ever asked for."[63]

Despite the events of the summer, Alonso made a confident start to the season and both his peers and the press praised his strength of character, citing his influence as a factor in the team's strong opening to the season.[63][64] Alonso's importance to the team was further underlined when he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory against Chelsea, making Liverpool the first away team to win at Stamford Bridge in over four years.[65]

Personal life

Xabi's girlfriend is Nagore Aranburu and the couple had their first child on 11 March 2008, a boy named Jontxu Alonso Aranburu.[66][67] Alonso stayed in Merseyside to be at her side while she gave birth, later saying: "It was a little frustrating to miss the match against Inter but I have to be with my family at times like these."[68] However, this caused much friction with manager Rafa Benítez as this meant he could not pick him for the important Champions League tie against the Milanese side and the two were at odds over Alonso's decision.[69][70][71]

Xabi Alonso and Everton player Mikel Arteta were neighbours on the same street while growing up in San Sebastián and now live near each other in Liverpool.[72] Alonso convinced Arteta to transfer to Everton after he told him how happy he was living in Liverpool.[73] Alonso also helped persuade former Real Sociedad team mate Juan Ugarte to make a move to Wales by joining Wrexham in 2004.[74]

His brother, Mikel Alonso, spent a season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in the 2007–08 season with an option for a permanent deal.[75][76] However, the team opted not to extend the loan deal and he returned to Spain to train with Xabi Alonso's former club, Real Sociedad.[77]

Statistics

Correct as of 15 August 2008

Club career

Club performance League Cup League Cup Continental Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Spain League Copa del Rey Copa de la Liga Europe Total
1999–2000 Real Sociedad La Liga 5 0 1 0 - 0 0 6 0
2000–01 Eibar (on loan) Segunda División 14 0 0 0 - 0 0 14 0
2000–01 Real Sociedad La Liga 17 0 0 0 - 0 0 17 0
2001–02 30 3 0 0 - 0 0 30 3
2002–03 32 3 1 0 - 0 0 33 3
2003–04 35 3 0 0 - 8 1 43 4
England League FA Cup Football League Cup Europe Total
2004–05 Liverpool Premier League 24 2 0 0 0 0 8 1 32 3
2005–06 35 3 5 2 0 0 11 0 51 5
2006–07 32 4 1 0 2 0 15 0 50 4
2007–08 19 2 3 0 1 0 4 0 27 2
2008–09 8 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 10 1
Total Spain 133 9 2 0 - 8 1 143 10
England 110 11 9 2 3 0 38 1 160 14
Career Total 243 20 11 2 3 0 46 2 303 24

International career

National team Season Apps Goals
Spain
2002–03  ? 0
2003–04  ? 0
2004–05 5 0
2005–06 10 1
2006–07 8 0
2007–08 10 0
2008–09 5 2
Total 38 3

Last updated 13 November 2008[57]

Xabi Alonso: International goals
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 2006-06-14 Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany Flag of Ukraine.svg Ukraine 1–0 4–0 2006 FIFA World Cup
2 2008-08-20 Parken Stadium, Denmark Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 1–0 3–0 Friendly
3 2008-08-20 Parken Stadium, Denmark Flag of Denmark.svg Denmark 3–0 3–0 Friendly

Honours

Liverpool

International

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Ballague, Guillem (2005-05-22). "Clever Xabi sets the pass mark". The Observer. Retrieved on 2008-08-11.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Fifield, Dominic (2006-03-25). "Arteta seeks revenge in battle of Basques". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-08-11.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Balague, Guillem (2008-05-18). "Dads and Lads: Periko and Xabi Alonso". Liverpool FC. Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  4. ↑ Hunter, Andy (2005-11-19). "Mikel Arteta: 'It's a long way from San Sebastian...'". The Independent. Retrieved on 2008-08-11.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Xabi Alonso Profile". Liverpool F.C.. Retrieved on 2008-08-11.
  6. ↑ Andrados, Juan Pedro (2001-11-10). "Primera División 2000/01". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  7. ↑ Abbandonato, Paul (2008-07-03). "It's the Real deal for Toshack". Wales Online (Western Mail). Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  8. ↑ Lowe, Sid (2002-11-04). "Sociedad enjoy ride of their lives". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-08-11.
  9. ↑ Diaz, Emilio Pla (2004-01-28). "Spain - Footballer of the Year". RSSSF. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Sinnott, John (2004-08-21). "Alonso the pass master". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Xabi Alonso Profile". Football Database. Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Real Sociedad drop Alonso". BBC Sport (2004-08-11). Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Alonso makes Anfield move". BBC Sport (2004-08-20). Retrieved on 2008-08-12.
  14. ↑ Ortego, Enrique (2008-11-03). "La 'Rafalution' entra en la historia del Liverpool (The 'Rafalution' becomes part of Liverpool history)". Diario AS. Retrieved on 2008-11-18.
  15. ↑ "Liverpool grab Garcia". BBC Sport (2004-08-20). Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  16. ↑ "Bolton 1-0 Liverpool". BBC Sport (2004-08-29). Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  17. ↑ Cox, Gerry (2004-10-17). "Alonso inspires a change of fortune". The Observer. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  18. ↑ "Fulham 2-4 Liverpool". BBC Sport (2004-10-16). Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  19. ↑ "Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal". BBC Sport (2004-11-28). Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  20. ↑ Xabi Alonso. Alonso happy to be at Anfield (Windows Media Player/Real Video) [Video]. BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-08-15. Event occurs at 0.05mins/2.00mins. "I think I'm settling quickly no? You know you come to a different country with a different culture but you have to accept all this"/"It was exciting to score at Anfield. I was looking for it and I felt great when I did, in a big game as well"
  21. ↑ "Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea". BBC Sport (2005-01-01). Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  22. ↑ "Alonso sidelined for three months". BBC Sport (2005-01-05). Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  23. ↑ "Juventus 0-0 Liverpool". BBC Sport (2005-04-13). Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  24. ↑ McCarra, Kevin (2005-04-14). "Liverpool set up Chelsea clash". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  25. ↑ McCarra, Kevin (2005-04-28). "Red resistance tips the balance". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  26. ↑ Shaw, Phil (2005-05-25). "Alonso adds touch of the sublime". The Independent. Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  27. ↑ "Alonso tells of Reds heartbreak". BBC Sport (2005-04-28). Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  28. ↑ Winter, Henry (2005-05-04). "Glorious Liverpool a big noise again". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  29. ↑ Keogh, Frank (2005-05-25). "Why it was the greatest cup final". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  30. ↑ McCarra, Kevin (2005-05-26). "Grit, spirit and the ultimate glory". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  31. ↑ "AC Milan 3–3 Liverpool (aet)". BBC Sport (2005-05-25). Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  32. ↑ Fifield, Dominic (2005-05-26). "Gerrard inspires Liverpool by sheer willpower". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  33. ↑ "Benítez's brave change of tack leaves Milan in reverse gear". The Guardian (2005-05-26). Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  34. ↑ "Benítez demands trophy defence for Reds". The Guardian (2005-05-26). Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  35. ↑ "Benítez stunned by epic comeback". BBC Sport (2006-05-26). Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  36. ↑ "Crouch defends Liverpool tactics". BBC Sport (2005-09-19). Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  37. ↑ Bradbury, Jamie (2006-01-07). "Reds edge classic". The FA. Retrieved on 2008-11-12.
  38. ↑ McCarra, Kevin (2006-01-09). "Echoes of another epic as Liverpool forced to treat Luton like Milan". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-11-12.
  39. ↑ "Fan makes £25,000 on dream goal". BBC Sport (2006-01-10). Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  40. ↑ Anthony, Peter (2006-05-08). "Football: Classic Fowler turn undoes Portsmouth". The Independent. Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  41. ↑ "Liverpool 3-3 West Ham (aet)". BBC Sport (2006-05-13). Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  42. ↑ Bulman, Erica (2006-06-14). "David Villa scores twice as Spain reigns over Ukraine 4-0". USA Today. Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  43. ↑ "Spain 1-3 France". BBC Sport (2007-07-26). Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  44. ↑ 44.0 44.1 Hughes, Ian (2006-09-20). "Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  45. ↑ Hunter, Andy (2006-09-21). "Liverpool 2 Newcastle United 0: Alonso hits 70-yard wonder goal to thrill Reds". The Independent. Retrieved on 2008-11-11.
  46. ↑ Winrow, Ian (2006-09-22). "Alonso denies his long shots are a gamble". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  47. ↑ "Newcastle goal my best". The Daily Star (2006-09-22). Retrieved on 2008-08-16.
  48. ↑ "Alonso signs five-year Reds deal". The Daily Mail. Retrieved on 2008-10-15.
  49. ↑ Jackson, Jamie (2007-09-02). "Benítez has Liverpool dreaming of a new tilt at the title". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-10-15.
  50. ↑ "Xabi Alonso is aware he won't be playing". The Independent (2007-09-04). Retrieved on 2008-10-15.
  51. ↑ "Bad breaks put Xabi Alonso and Daniel Agger out for six weeks". Liverpool Daily Post (2007-09-20). Retrieved on 2008-10-15.
  52. ↑ "Xabi Alonso speaks of his Liverpool injury hell". Liverpool Daily Post (2007-12-19). Retrieved on 2008-10-15.
  53. ↑ Barrett, Tony (2007-12-18). "Steven Gerrard out of cup clash as Xabi Alonso returns". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved on 2008-11-13.
  54. ↑ Winter, Henry (2008-03-12). "Torres ensures Liverpool place in Fab Four". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved on 2008-11-13.
  55. ↑ McNulty, Phil (2008-08-14). "Liverpool may fall short in title tilt". BBC Sport. Retrieved on 2008-11-13.
  56. ↑ "Rafa Benítez: "Xabi Alonso es un jugador de clase superior" (Xabi Alonso is a top class player)" (in Spanish). Marca (2007-10-27). Retrieved on 2008-11-13.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 "Xabi Alonso Player Profile Euro 2008". Sky Sports. Retrieved on 2008-11-13.
  58. ↑ Balague, Guillem (2008-06-30). "Exclusive Interview: Xabi Alonso". Guillem Balague. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  59. ↑ McLaughlin, Kim (2008-08-20). "UPDATE 1-Soccer-Alonso double helps Spain ease past Denmark". Reuters. Retrieved on 2008-08-22.
  60. ↑ "Liverpool FC still want Gareth Barry". Liverpool Daily Post (2008-07-29). Retrieved on 2008-10-06.
  61. ↑ Barrett, Chris (2008-07-16). "Juventus end pursuit of Alonso". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-10-06.
  62. ↑ "Alonso admits summer sorrow". Sky Sports (2008-10-04). Retrieved on 2008-10-06.
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 Taylor, Daniel (2009-10-04). "The adopted son they couldn't drive away". The Guardian. Retrieved on 2008-10-06.
  64. ↑ "Gerrard Tribute to Xabi Alonso". Liverpool FC (2008-09-15). Retrieved on 2008-10-06.
  65. ↑ "Alonso Fires Reds Clear at the Top". Liverpool F.C. (2008-10-26). Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  66. ↑ Recalde, Mikel (2008-07-03). "Valoro mis títulos, pero me falta una liga (I value my honours, but I still lack a league title)" (in Spanish). Noticias de Gipuzkoa (Gipuzkoa News). Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  67. ↑ Beesley, Chris (2008-03-31). "Chance of Real Madrid move for Xabi Alonso". Liverpool Daily Post. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  68. ↑ "Xabi Alonso: "Fue un poco frustrante no jugar, pero tenía que estar con mi familia" (It was a little frustrating to miss the match, but i had to be with my family)" (in Spanish). El Mundo (2008-03-13). Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  69. ↑ Wallace, Sam (2008-03-11). "Alonso left at home after Benítez tires of baby talk". The Independent. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  70. ↑ Thomas, Phil (2008-03-11). "That's yer tot, Alonso". The Sun. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  71. ↑ Martín, Luis (2008-03-12). "La paternidad de Xabi Alonso provoca un lío en Anfield (Xabi Alonso's fatherhood whips up a storm at Anfield)" (in Spanish). El Pais. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  72. ↑ Ducker, James (2006-03-25). "Arteta puts friendship on hold as Everton eye Europe". The Times. Retrieved on 2008-08-14.
  73. ↑ Prentice, David (2008-09-26). "Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso's special bond put on hold in Everton-Liverpool derby". Liverpool Echo. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  74. ↑ Rice, Jimmy (2007-01-18). "Xabi Alonso: The Big Interview". Liverpool FC. Retrieved on 2008-08-15.
  75. ↑ "Bolton clinch Alonso". Manchester Evening News (2007-07-16). Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  76. ↑ "Alonso joins Bolton from Sociedad". BBC Sport (2007-07-10). Retrieved on 2008-11-04.
  77. ↑ Lorenzo, J. L. (2008-09-03). "El club presentará mañana el ERE con Alonso y Stevanovic (The club will release Alonso and Stefanovic tomorrow under ERE legislation)" (in Spanish). Mundo Deportivo. Retrieved on 2008-11-04.

External links

Liverpool F.C. – current squad

1 Cavalieri • 2 Dossena • 4 Hyypiä • 5 Agger • 7 Keane • 8 Gerrard • 9 Torres • 11 Riera • 12 F. Aurélio • 14 Alonso • 15 Benayoun • 16 Pennant • 17 Arbeloa • 18 Kuyt • 19 Babel • 20 Mascherano • 21 Lucas • 22 Insúa • 23 Carragher • 24 N'Gog • 25 Reina • 26 Spearing • 27 Degen • 28 Plessis • 29 Németh • 30 Itandje • 31 El Zhar • 32 Darby • 34 Kelly • 36 Irwin • 37 Škrtel • 39 Eccleston • 41 Hansen • 42 Gulácsi • Manager: Benítez
Persondata
NAME Olano, Xabier Alonso
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Alonso, Xabi
SHORT DESCRIPTION footballer
DATE OF BIRTH 1981-11-25
PLACE OF BIRTH Tolosa , Spain
DATE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH