Xabi Alonso

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Sillyfolkboy (talk | contribs) at 22:19, 6 October 2008 (→‎2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons: minor rephrase). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Xabi Alonso
Personal information
Full name Xabier Alonso Olano
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Position(s) Centre midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Liverpool
Number 14
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of August 21 2008

Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso (born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country, Spain) is a footballer who plays for Liverpool F.C. and is a central defensive midfielder, often playing as a deep-lying playmaker.

Son of 'Periko' Alonso, 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. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. 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.

Alonso has played for Spain at Euro 2004, Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup. He featured mainly as a sub in Spain's winning UEFA Euro 2008 squad.

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 in 1985 after he moved to FC Barcelona. 'Periko' also featured in the national team, winning 20 caps over the course of his career. When his father, 'Periko', moved to CE Sabadell Alonso played on the training ground with his brother, Mikel. Alonso was influenced by his father's playing, taking more pleasure in passing the ball well than shooting at goal.[1] Xabi Alonso lived in Barcelona for the first six years of his life and moved to San Sebastián thereafter. It was here where Alonso's passion for football began as he whiled away his childhood playing at Playa de la Concha (Shell Beach).[2] On the Basque sands Alonso befriended a fellow resident of Calle Matia, Mikel Arteta, and the two would battle each other in a show of technical ability.[3] Alonso played as a defensive midfielder: a role which helped him learn to distribute the ball well. This talent would later serve him well in his club and international career.[2]

Alonso and Arteta were ambitious and dreamed of playing alongside each other for Real Sociedad when they were older. Though the two attended different schools, the talented youngsters 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 was also an adept player.[2]

Alonso progressed through the youth ranks and the B team at Real Sociedad and impressed enough to earn a first team debut at 18 years old.[1] 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 was much more fruitful. 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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[2]

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's position remained assured.[8]

The 2002-03 season saw the club reach heights not reached since their performance in 1987-88 in La Liga. 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".[2]

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.[2] 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 focussed 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 national football team|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.[2]

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.[3] 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, hadn't materialised. Instead he concentrated on integrating with the new Spanish contingent at Liverpool under the guidance of, ex-Valencia coach, Rafael Benítez.[2]

Liverpool

2004–05: Champions League victory

Alonso's arrival at Liverpool, along with Luis Garcia from FC Barcelona, marked the beginning of a new era at Anfield. The technical Spaniards were the first signings by new coach Rafael Benítez and he remarked that their emphasis of skill over strength offered something different to the team.[13][14] 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.[15] A Premier League tie against Fulham on 16 October 2004 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.[16] Furthermore, Alonso scored from a free kick to bring Liverpool ahead of the opposition — his first goal for the team.[17]

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.[18] Alonso was elated at the achievement and felt he was settling in well in England.[19] 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.[20][21]

He made his return to the first team in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against Juventus. In the absence of skipper Steven Gerrard through injury, Alonso played for the full 90 minutes, as Liverpool gained an improbable 0–0 draw in Italy to defeat the eventual Italian Champions on aggregate.[22] 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".[23] 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.[24] Alonso was distraught that he would miss the game and vehemently contested the referee's decision to no avail.[25][26] 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.[27]

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.[28] Liverpool trailed 3–2 but 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.[29] This forced the game in to extra time but neither team scored and penalties followed. Milan had dominated in the final half hour but they lost their composure in the penalty shootout and Liverpool won 2–3.[30] Alonso was praised for his pivotal influence on the team's comeback and manager Benítez reinforced his importance to the team.[31][32][33] Alonso was ecstatic with the win, commenting: "This is the best moment in my professional career".[34] 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.[35] 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. Alonso scored two impressive goals from distance: one from 40 yards, and the other 65 yards from goal; behind the half-way line. 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.[36] Alonso suffered an ankle injury in a 3–1 victory over Portsmouth, putting his participation in the FA Cup final in doubt.[37] 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, couldn't 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.[38]

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.[39] 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.[40]

2006–07: Champions League final

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.[41] 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.[42] 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."[43] It was his first goal for Liverpool since the goal against Luton,[41] making him the only outfield player in the modern professional game to score two consecutive goals for his club from inside his own half of the pitch.[citation needed]

2007–08 and 2008–09 seasons

On 8 June 2007 Alonso signed a 5-year contract, undermining a flurry of transfer rumours. In early 2008, he lost his place to Javier Mascherano, but then Liverpool boss Rafael Benítez changed his formation by moving Steven Gerrard further forward as a second striker. Alonso was recalled back to the team to fill the berth. Alonso won the Euro 2008 tournament with Spain. Alonso's international success continued as he scored twice in a 0–3 win in a friendly against Denmark in August.[44]

The 2008 summer transfer window suggested a move away from Merseyside as Liverpool pursued England international Gareth Barry to replace Alonso.[45] 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.[46][47] 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 because it wasn't something I ever asked for."[48]

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.[48][49]

Personal life

Xabi Alonso and Everton-player Mikel Arteta were neighbours on the same street while growing up in San Sebastián and now live next door to each other in Liverpool. Although Xabi is a regular player for the Spanish national squad, Arteta has never had a call up.[50][51] Alonso also helped persuade former Real Sociedad team mate Juan Ugarte to make a move to Wales by joining Wrexham in 2004.[52]

Xabi's girlfriend is Nagore Aranburu, she gave birth to a boy on the day of Liverpool's vital game against Inter Milan. The baby is the couple's first, and although Xabi stayed in Merseyside to be with her while she gave birth, Rafa congratulated them after the match which Liverpool won 1-0, to progress to the last 8 of the Champions League. In an interview with Liverpool's News Programme LFC Now on LFC TV it was revealed that Xabi and Nagore had named their little boy Jontxu Alonso.[53]

His brother, Mikel Alonso, was sent on a loan to Bolton last season. He currently plays for Xabi's former club, Real Sociedad. He also has 2 other brothers including Jon Alonso, who is a football referee.

Playing style

Although a newcomer to the English league, Alonso has impressed with his vision and an exceptional range of passing. After an initial settling-in period, he established himself as one of the mainstays of Liverpool's midfield. He has become a permanent fixture of Benitez' sides and has endeared many fans with his long-range passing ability and deft touches to open opposition teams up, plus his commitment in defending. These, coupled with his steady composure and the ability to shoot with confidence, qualify him as one of the best in Europe to play in the central-midfield role. However, competition for Alonso's place in the Liverpool first team has recently been stronger, with Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva also being contenders for the position.

Statistics

Correct as of 15 August 2008 Template:Football player statistics 1 Template:Football player statistics 2 |- |1999-00||Real Sociedad||La Liga||5||0||1||0||colspan="2"|-||0||0||6||0 |- |2000-01||Eibar (on loan)||Segunda División||14||0||0||0||colspan="2"|-||0||0||14||0 |- |2000-01||rowspan="4"|Real Sociedad||rowspan="4"|La Liga||17||0||0||0||colspan="2"|-||0||0||17||0 |- |2001-02||30||3||0||0||colspan="2"|-||0||0||30||3 |- |2002-03||32||3||1||0||colspan="2"|-||0||0||33||3 |- |2003-04||35||3||0||0||colspan="2"|-||8||1||43||4 Template:Football player statistics 2 |- |2004-05||rowspan="5"|Liverpool||rowspan="5"|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|||||||||||||||||||| Template:Football player statistics 3133||9||2||0||colspan="2"|-||8||1||143||10 Template:Football player statistics 4110||11||9||2||3||0||38||1||160||14 Template:Football player statistics 5243||20||11||2||3||0||46||2||303||24 |}

International goals

No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 2006-06-14 Zentralstadion, Leipzig, Germany  Ukraine 1-0 4-0 2006 FIFA World Cup
2 2008-08-20 Parken Stadium, Denmark  Denmark 1-0 3-0 Friendly
3 2008-08-20 Parken Stadium, Denmark  Denmark 3-0 3-0 Friendly

Template:Ig footer

Career honours

Liverpool
Spain

References

  1. ^ a b c Balague, Guillem (2008-05-18). "Dads and Lads: Periko and Xabi Alonso". Liverpool FC. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Ballague, Guillem (2005-05-22). "Clever Xabi sets the pass mark". The Observer. Retrieved 2008-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  3. ^ a b Fifield, Dominic (2006-03-25). "Arteta seeks revenge in battle of Basques". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  4. ^ Hunter, Andy (2005-11-19). "Mikel Arteta: 'It's a long way from San Sebastian...'". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  5. ^ a b c "Xabi Alonso Profile". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 2008-08-11.
  6. ^ Andrados, Juan Pedro (2001-11-10). "Primera División 2000/01". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Retrieved 2008-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Abbandonato, Paul (2008-07-03). "It's the Real deal for Toshack". Wales Online (Western Mail). Retrieved 2008-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ Lowe, Sid (2002-11-04). "Sociedad enjoy ride of their lives". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ Diaz, Emilio Pla (2004-01-28). "Spain - Footballer of the Year". RSSSF. Retrieved 2008-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ a b c Sinnott, John (2004-08-21). "Alonso the pass master". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2008-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  11. ^ a b "Xabi Alonso Profile". Football Database. Retrieved 2008-08-12.
  12. ^ a b "Real Sociedad drop Alonso". BBC Sport. 2004-08-11. Retrieved 2008-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ a b "Alonso makes Anfield move". BBC Sport. 2004-08-20. Retrieved 2008-08-12. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ "Liverpool grab Garcia". BBC Sport. 2004-08-20. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  15. ^ "Bolton 1-0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 2004-08-29. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  16. ^ Cox, Gerry (2004-10-17). "Alonso inspires a change of fortune". The Observer. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  17. ^ "Fulham 2-4 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 2004-10-16. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  18. ^ "Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal". BBC Sport. 2004-11-28. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ Xabi Alonso (2004-12-03). Alonso happy to be at Anfield (Windows Media Player/Real Video) (Video). BBC Sport. Event occurs at 0.05mins/2.00mins. Retrieved 2008-08-15. 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 {{cite AV media}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  20. ^ "Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea". BBC Sport. 2005-01-01. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ "Alonso sidelined for three months". BBC Sport. 2005-01-05. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  22. ^ "Juventus 0-0 Liverpool". BBC Sport. 2005-04-13. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  23. ^ McCarra, Kevin (2005-04-14). "Liverpool set up Chelsea clash". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ McCarra, Kevin (2005-04-28). "Red resistance tips the balance". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  25. ^ Shaw, Phil (2005-05-25). "Alonso adds touch of the sublime". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ "Alonso tells of Reds heartbreak". BBC Sport. 2005-04-28. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  27. ^ Winter, Henry (2005-05-04). "Glorious Liverpool a big noise again". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ Keogh, Frank (2005-05-25). "Why it was the greatest cup final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  29. ^ McCarra, Kevin (2005-05-26). "Grit, spirit and the ultimate glory". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  30. ^ "AC Milan 3–3 Liverpool (aet)". BBC Sport. 2005-05-25. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  31. ^ Fifield, Dominic (2005-05-26). "Gerrard inspires Liverpool by sheer willpower". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  32. ^ "Benítez's brave change of tack leaves Milan in reverse gear". The Guardian. 2005-05-26. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  33. ^ "Benítez demands trophy defence for Reds". The Guardian. 2005-05-26. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  34. ^ "Benitez stunned by epic comeback". BBC Sport. 2006-05-26. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  35. ^ "Crouch defends Liverpool tactics". BBC Sport. 2005-09-19. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  36. ^ "Fan makes £25,000 on dream goal". BBC Sport. 2006-01-10. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  37. ^ Anthony, Peter (2006-05-08). "Football: Classic Fowler turn undoes Portsmouth". The Independent. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  38. ^ "Liverpool 3-3 West Ham (aet)". BBC Sport. 2006-05-13. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  39. ^ Bulman, Erica (2006-06-14). "David Villa scores twice as Spain reigns over Ukraine 4-0". USA Today. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  40. ^ "Spain 1-3 France". BBC Sport. 2007-07-26. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  41. ^ a b Hughes, Ian (2006-09-20). "Liverpool 2-0 Newcastle". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  42. ^ Winrow, Ian (2006-09-22). "Alonso denies his long shots are a gamble". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  43. ^ "Newcastle goal my best". The Daily Star. 2006-09-22. Retrieved 2008-08-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  44. ^ McLaughlin, Kim (2008-08-20). "UPDATE 1-Soccer-Alonso double helps Spain ease past Denmark". Reuters. Retrieved 2008-08-22. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  45. ^ "Liverpool FC still want Gareth Barry". Liverpool Daily Post. 2008-07-29. Retrieved 2008-10-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  46. ^ Barrett, Chris (2008-07-16). "Juventus end pursuit of Alonso". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-10-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  47. ^ "Alonso admits summer sorrow". Sky Sports. 2008-10-04. Retrieved 2008-10-06.
  48. ^ a b Taylor, Daniel (2009-10-04). "The adopted son they couldn't drive away". The Guardian. Retrieved 2008-10-06. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  49. ^ "Gerrard Tribute to Xabi Alonso". Liverpool FC. 2008-09-15. Retrieved 2008-10-06.
  50. ^ "Arteta Aims To Reign For Spain (*Lost url: 2008-08-14*)". Football365. Retrieved 2006-11-28.
  51. ^ Ducker, James (2006-03-25). "Arteta puts friendship on hold as Everton eye Europe". The Times. Retrieved 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  52. ^ Rice, Jimmy (2007-01-18). "Xabi Alonso: The Big Interview". Liverpool FC. Retrieved 2008-08-15. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ^ 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 2008-08-14. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)

External links

Template:Persondata

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Xabi_Alonso&oldid=243529738"