The departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid for £30 million comes as a kick in the teeth for Liverpool football club. The 27 year old player who has won the Champions League and FA Cup with Liverpool claims to have made his mind up many months ago.
Although Liverpool have never won the Premiership, the usual preseason optimism that comes with the dawn of a new football season seemed justified. Rafa Benitez steered his team to second last season with only two league defeats and a massive 86 points. Modulo an exceptional performance from Manchester United who amassed 90 points, they may have finished top.
It begs the question, what makes up the 4 point gap? I say Christiano Ronaldo. The World Player of the Year has been United’s hero for the best part of 3 seasons and now, ironically, he will be playing alongside Alonso. If Xabi ever wanted to add a Premiership medal to the cabinet, now was the time to stay focused with Liverpool.
Many would want to play alongside Kaka and Ronaldo, but the midfield trio of Mascherano, Gerrrard and Alonso evolved as the backbone of Liverpool. The blend of strength and penetration allowed Liverpool to dominate football matches and it became increasingly difficult to see the club losing.
Alonso must also be aware that Arsenal have lost key players and Chelsea with an aging squad have long lost their aura. At 27, time is not running out and a move to Spain next year would have perhaps been more rational. I guess the glittering lights of the Bernabeu were too much to resist.
At 28 Real might not be as interested as they were for the past few weeks to buy him. This was his chance and he did the right thing. Winning the Premiership might have eluded him but if he had missed this chance to make it back to Spain La Liga title might have eluded him as well. As a Spaniard I think he would definitely consider winning the La Liga more important than winning the Premiership.
Hala Madrid!!
I’m surprised a Basque would want to play for Franco’s team.
I’d also be surprised if Real Madrid are champions next season with a load of new players and probable numerous coach sackings that are the norm at that club.
Thanks for dropping by soccerupdated.blogspot.com i don’t think he made the wrong choice or the timing of the move was wrong. Because he probably have only 5 more years of good football left in him. The time is now.
Well, if anything… Xabi Alonso wasn’t really treated well by Benitez, who in the last transfer window was looking to sell him and replace him with Barry, so in some sense he has waited a year. Also remember that Xabi Alonso probably grew up watching Real Madrid and all the stars back then, so when they came knocking on the door, it was just getting the price right.
Xabi Alonso has been a prime example of what a professional footballer should be. There was no moaning, complaints and what not during his time in the previous season, he just kept out of the spotlight and had his best season at Liverpool. Unfortunately players come and go, if a player wants to leave, there is really nothing that can be done these days to stop him. They got 30 million for him which seems like the average price for a quality midfielder these days.
The problem is Liverpools as they have lost a key backbone in their midfield. He was that unsung hero, the link between the defense and Gerrard. If you look at most attacks started by Liverpool, it was a deep pass from Xabi Alonso fizzed across the pitch to the waiting Gerrard in the gap in front of the opposition defense. These quick Bursts were the spark for the engine to start.
Even thought Benetiz has bought Aquilani, he is injured for 6 weeks, and personally I don’t think Lucas is up to fill the shoes of the Pass-master. The question is will Aquilani?
Great point about the treatment he got from Rafa.
Something I had overlooked.
Xabi Alonso went to where he felt he could earn the most money. Guys of his ilk at times aren’t always interested in the silverware but more so the money.
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Dear Ol’ Blighty I Can Still Hear You Callin’ And I Yearn For My Football ……
Alan Parkins