First of 3 Homages that we will be doing. Next 2 are for Phillip Lahm and John Terry.
There is no mistaking that Xabi Alonso is a FANTASTIC Midfielder. Definetly one of the greatest to have ever played that game. Even so, I can’t help but to think that Xabi is very underrated. He is never mentioned in the names of Zidane, Scholes, Platini, or even his longtime international teammate, Xavi. Xabi has been apart of some incredible teams, that have just flat out dominated. He has been apart of, the 2 loss 2013 Bayern team, the comeback 2005 UCL Winners Liverpool, the Spanish National team that loss 2 matches in 3 years, and the Real Madrid squad that lost 1 game on their way to, “La Dècima.” On these super teams, Xabi has formed apart some of the greatest midfielding pairs of all time, including, his ’05 partner Steven Gerard, with Khedira behind Ozil in ’11, in ’13 with Bastian and Mueller, or best of all, in 2010 with Sergio Busquets and Xavi. He has been everywhere, and playing in different leagues means winning different trophies. Xabi has accomplished just about every competition he’s played in. That includes, 2 Champions League, 1 La Liga, 2 Copa del Reys, a Supercoppa de España, an FA Cup, Community Shield, Uefa Super Cup, 3 Bundesliga, a DFB Pokal and Super Cup, 2 UEFA Euro Championship, and a World Cup. All except the Premier League title which he missed by 4 points in his last LFC season.
Not only does his accolades speak for his career, but so does his former managers, and teammates. Steven Gerrard said, “He was, by some distance, the best central midfielder I ever played alongside.” Lets not dick around, that is some YUGE praise from someone that played alongside, Paul Scholes and Frank Lampard. Hell, even Megamind himself, Pep Guardiola, said, “Once Xabi has the ball, he is the best player in the world.” Hard to argue with someone that has coached for over 20 championships.
Xabi is the real deal. I’m sure he could’ve played a couple more years at a lower level, but he wanted to retire at the top level. C’mon Xabi you don’t need dignity. Should’ve flew to the ‘States and played some years in the MLS. Probably turn around a team like Bastian is doing in Chicago. Yes, Xabi was know for his passes, BUT, nobody wants to see him not score so I’ll leave with his top 3 goals. In no particular order, feast your eyes on some incredible goals.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwJHGOoHfzo?start=24]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuZd0n8MqWs]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVMA8lGwY_Q?start=210]