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Xabi Alonso
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Position: Midfielder
Date of Birth: 25/11/1981
Height: 6'0
Weight: 12st 6
1st team games: 162
1st team goals: 14
International caps: 47
International goals: 1
Former clubs: Real Sociedad, SD Eibar
Birth Place: Tolosa, Spain
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Midfielder Xabi Alonso was one of manager Rafa Benitez’s first
signings for Liverpool, joining the club in a £10.5million move from Real Sociedad in August 2004.
He came through the ranks at Real Sociedad, making his senior breakthrough in a Copa del Rey match versus Logrones
in December 1999. A loan spell at Spanish minnows SD Eibar followed, but Alonso was called back when Kop legend John Toshack took over at the club.
Alonso quickly developed a reputation as a player with an eye for a pass few players could spot, and the pinpoint accuracy
to send the ball to it’s intended recipient.
In April 2003 aged 21 Alonso earned his first cap for Spain against Ecuador. A year later he travelled to the European Championships in Holland and Belgium, though he only featured in one of his country's three group games.
After his move to Liverpool Alonso made his debut against Bolton on August 29, 2004. Two months later he put in a spectacular performance against Fulham at Craven Cottage which confirmed his place in the hearts of the Kop. With the Reds 2-0 down at half-time, Benitez brought on Alonso. The midfielder duly inspired a miraculous comeback, with the game ending 2-4.
His first season in English football was disrupted by a broken ankle sustained in a challenge by Chelsea's Frank Lampard on New Year's Day. After three months out, Alonso returned in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Juventus. Alonso played the full 90 minutes as the Reds held the Italians to a goalless draw and progressed to the semis.
Next up were Chelsea, though a harsh yellow card following an incident with Eidur Gudjohnsen meant the Alonso missed the second leg. His teammates got the job done though, and Liverpool progressed to the final against AC Milan. Alonso would play a pivotal role in Istanbul when the club won its fifth European Cup. It was he who scored Liverpool's equalising goal on 59 minutes, knocking in the rebound after his spot kick was saved.
The most notable performance of Alonso’s second season came against Luton Town in the third round of the FA Cup. With the Reds 3-1 down early in the second half, he scored two crackers, including an unforgettable effort from 65 yards. Liverpool went on to win the FA Cup in Cardiff four months later, with Alonso playing a part in the final against West Ham.
Alonso returned to Anfield after a disappointing second-round defeat to France in the World Cup to prepare for what would turn out to be another memorable season. Remarkably he scored another goal from inside his own half against Newcastle United. It was his first goal for Liverpool since the almost identical effort against Luton, and he remains the only modern player to score consecutive club goals from their own half.
In June 2007 Alonso put pen to paper on a new five-year deal, though he missed the majority of the season with a metatarsal injury.
Fortunately for Spain though he was back in time for Euro 2008 and along with team mates Fernando Torres,
Pepe Reina and Alvaro Arbeloa was victorious as Spain defeated Germany in the final.
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