'Water-Carrier?'
It seemed to be all going so well. Reigning champions Manchester United lose the best player on the planet, former big spenders Chelsea seem to be unable to attract the calibre of player that it once beckoned without thought, and Arsenal seem to be stubborn in their quest to succeed without adding some much needed brawn and experience to their ranks. Manchester City are attempting to create the most lop-sided squad in football history, with £70 million spent on their strikeforce meaning they now have 10 senior centre forwards on their books. All roads point to Liverpool being in pole position for the season ahead, but the constant speculation linking Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid has those on the Kop worried. Outstanding last season, his departure could prove to be their undoing before a ball is kicked.
During the recent Confederations Cup, Alonso looked like he was auditioning for a move somewhere. Whilst most of the Spaniards took the foot off the gas in the 5-0 stroll against New Zealand, the Basque man’s constant tackling and closing down was possibly the highlight of a morbid second half. These are not perceived strengths in his armoury, but it is a sign of his development over his 5 years in England.
After his £10.7 million move from Real Socidead in August 2004, it did not take long for the comparisons to Jan Molby to start rolling in. His display in a 3-0 home victory against Norwich gave everyone a glimpse of his passing range. But he did not enjoy the same freedom away from Anfield; he found it tough to get accustomed to the English game. However, his debut season was a massive success, climaxing with one of the most celebrated penalty rebounds for many a year in a rather significant game in Istanbul.
He then formed a midfield partnership with Momo Sissoko, and they complimented each other very well indeed. The Malian could do the running of three men, and gave Alonso the time and space he craved to pass and create. But with Steven Gerrard pining to play more centrally, it was to be a test of Xabi’s character.
It was growing increasingly evident that Gerrard and Alonso could not play in a 4-4-2 together. With Gerrard’s instinct for breaking forward to join the attack leaving gaps that Alonso was left to plug rather unsuccessfully, Rafael Benitez had to find a way to accommodate them both. Last season was when it all came together.
They were by far and away Liverpool’s best players last season; with both finding their best positions and form. Alonso became the side’s playmaker keeping things ticking over, and seemed to have added a physical dimension to his game, winning headers and making tackles in a manner that surprised many. But it could be argued he was playing for a move all last season too.
Benitez’s treatment of Alonso was quite sickening last summer. Alonso didn’t travel to Milan in March 2008 against Internazionale as his partner was giving birth to their first child. Liverpool had a comfortable lead going over, but his manager decided that this was an insult to him and the club. Xabi was offered around Europe like a piece of meat, with Juventus apparently very keen. But when Gareth Barry’s transfer fell to Anfield fell apart, and Claudio Ranieri said Alonso was ‘too slow’. A bit rich coming from a man who built his midfield around Dennis Wise and Jody Morris. So nobody wanted him.
12 months on, everybody wants a piece of him. Signs are there that he feels underappreciated. Obviously Jamie Carragher and Gerrard are symbols of Liverpool, Fernando Torres the new poster boy, where does this leave Alonso? After Gerrard rolled in a free-kick against Aston Villa in March, he turned away in celebration, awaiting the embrace of his team-mates. Alonso strolled nonchalantly back to the centre-circle, head down, seemingly frustrated by his captains ego. But ego is part of Gerrard’s make-up, and its part of the reason he is such a talent. Xabi looked like he had enough.
This makes his desire to move to Real Madrid, from a footballing point of view, more confusing. Real Madrid was built, and is run on egos. They have the greatest ego of them all now with Cristanio Ronaldo, but his fellow Galactico Kaka also enjoys the plaudits. Kaka has this holier than though image, but he wants, and deserves to be recognised for his talents. Add this to home-grown Raul,Guti and Casillas, the Dutch contingent, and then of course the president Florentino Perez; all not afraid to say their piece.
Then there is the question what will his role be? He is given a lot of responsibility at Anfield so much that Gerrard was moved around until he found his best position. It would be very different at the Bernabeu. The term ‘water-carrier’ springs to mind. Basically he would be required to win the ball, and give it 5-10 yards to a Kaka, Benzema, or Ronaldo. Alonso is a lot better than that. It is an insult to his talents and intelligence. Whilst he has improved his ability to win the ball, it is his ball retention that makes him one of the world’s best in his role. Stroking the ball around isn’t part of the plan though at Real Madrid. Perez doesn’t want Alonso hogging the ball. He wants Ronaldo to have it as much as he can.
However from a tax point of view, one could see why Alonso may what to move back to Spain. A recent Telegraph article highlighted that since he signed his 5 year deal in 2007, the weakening of the sterling, accompanied with the imminent increase in the tax rate means that he could lose out on €1.2 million per annum compared to 2 years ago. The company executive’s tax rate of 23% available to him in Spain on his wages would be very appealing indeed.
Then again, maybe Xabi wants to go home to for his family. Recently married, and with a young child, he may be willing to move for their sake. But ever the professional, he boarded a plane to the Far East yesterday with his Liverpool team-mates and will continue to represent his current employer with as he always did; with great style and humility.
Liverpool have a massive chance next season. With settled side, many players are coming into the peak of their careers. It would be a great shame to lose Alonso at this stage. The longer the saga goes on, the less time Liverpool have to find a replacement should he leave. Benitez needs to force his hand, and convince Xabi to give Liverpool one more year. And make it a year to remember.
Football Digest 
He’d be a big loss from the English game if he does leave as he’s one of the few players from other clubs I’d love to have at Old Trafford. He’s been treated disgracefully at Anfield but I think if he did move to Real he wouldn’t be seen as a water carrier. Rather he’d be the final piece in the jigsaw to play alongside Lassana Diarra in the middle, playing a Guti type role in supplying the bullets to the star men up top.
As it stands it looks like Guti himself or Fernando Gago will be Diarra’s midfield partner this season so I can see the need for Real to acquire another top class midfielder. Time will tell I suppose but if you gave me 50 quid to have a bet on where he’ll end up my money would be at the Bernabeu once the season begins.
I don’t think would be given the responsibility he enjoys at Anfield Ronan. He would be utilised as a stopper, which does not play to his strengths. It would be be a case of too many cooks in the team. Lassana Diarra fancies himself as a bit a of a playmaker as well, I do not see how they would compliment each other at all to be honest. Mascherano gives him great protection at Liverpool, which he craves. He does play a holding role with Spain, but Senna is first choice and is better at it in my opinion.