How Liverpool have missed Xabi Alonso. Ever since he left the club, the Reds have been on a downhill spiral.
Success seems to be something of a magnet for Alonso. When he left Anfield, he took it with him and as a result, Liverpool have more often than not had to be content with being 2nd (or 3rd, or 4th) best.
So wouldn’t it be something, if one of Liverpool’s best ever midfielders were to make a welcome return to Anfield?
According to Intereconmica (via CaughtOffside), a popular Spanish football site, Xabi has no intention of signing a new Real Madrid deal. With a year left to run on his current contract, Jose Mourinho may feel he has to sell this summer, or risk losing him on a free next year.
But would he still be attracted to a club like Liverpool?
I wouldn’t bet against it. Whilst the Reds’ fortunes have dwindled to the extent that they wont be able to offer Xabi Champions League football (I think that’s now a safe bet, following a stunning 3-1 defeat to Southampton).
And yet we all know of Xabi’s love for Liverpool. He’s often spoken of how he’s still a fan and how he misses his time playing for the Reds. This, loyalty, born out of the respect and adoration of the fans, has turned him into a Liverpool hero.
This is one of the best midfielders in world-football. A midfield dynamo who has only gotten better with age. He is a rare gem indeed and yet he still harbours a queer longing to join back up with his old buddy Steven Gerrard and give the Premier League another spin.
He’s already made 210 appearances for the club. Why not make another 100-150 more and cement his status as a club legend?
I normally wouldn’t recommend that a club in Liverpool’s position signed a 31-year-old, but you have to account in some respects for Alonso’s ability. He may be getting on in years, but he certainly look out of place in a talented Real Madrid team.
He has never been the kind of player who relies on his pace. He’s a technically gifted player, who likes to control play through his wide-range of passing.
He’d be a fantastic signing for Liverpool. If Brendan Rodgers can pull this deal off, he really will have Liverpool fans back on his side.
What’s your take? Should Liverpool grant Xabi Alonso another spell at Anfield?
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