Real Madrid

He sees the game like none other, he’s got a cannon of a leg and he can anticipate moves better than all the rest. Xabi Alonso (Tolosa, 25/11/81) is a veteran international who is more than familiar with European football and a mainstay on La Roja. His arrival will boost the Real Madrid midfield and will instantly make Alonso one of Pellegrini’s playmakers. Never a major goal-scorer, he has become free-kicker maestro and his powerful shots from outside the box are absolutely deadly.

Born into a family known for its football prowess, Xabi Alonso came into this world on 25 November 1981 in the Basque town of Tolosa. Following in the footsteps of his father, Periko Alonso, Xabi lived in Barcelona until he was six before moving to San Sebastian, where he began his career as a footballer.La Playa de la Concha, the famous beach in San Sebastian, was the first pitch used by the Madridista and the site where his passion for the game grew. Along with his best friend, Mikel Arteta (now playing for Everton), Alonso began laying the groundwork to enjoy the same success that his father had achieved as a professional in the 1980’s.

Xabi Alonso’s youth career began at Antiguoko, where he quickly stood out for his football prowess. Real Sociedad soon came calling, and his progress through the ranks culminated in his first team debut in Copa del Rey action against Logroñes. By the age of 18 he was easily the best player on the academy squad, so Real loaned the player to a Segunda Division side where he could better develop his skills. It was his first stint with Eiber, who he left in 1998 to debut in Spain’s top flight with Real Socieded before returning again in 2000. The following year marked his definite return to San Sebastian, where he played until 2004 and led the team to a second place finish in La Liga.

Prior to the 2004/05 season, Alonso completed a switch to Liverpool, where he dazzled Kopites with his incredible vision and eye for the pass. Additionally, his powerful long-range shot converted him into one of Europe’s best centre midfielders.

Still in his first season in England, Alonso had his ankle broken and was sidelined for three months. He managed to return for the quarterfinal round of the Champions League and helped guide Liverpool to the final against Milan. The Italians led the match 3-0 before halftime rolled around, but the Reds were able to do the unthinkable and forced extra time, where they defeated Milan in the penalty shootout for the club’s fifth European Cup.

Xabi Alonso has featured for Spain since debuting in 2003. He participated in both the 2004 and 2008 European Championship as well as the 2006 World Cup. His career high was no doubt the 2008 Euro won by Spain. Alonso was also named Man of the Match in the third group stage game against Greece.

An eye for the pass, speed in distributing, vision for the game, a powerful shot… just some of the attributes of the Basque footballer who managed to conquer English football. He has now landed at the Bernabeu to play for Real Madrid, who in a matter of weeks he will accompany to the city and stadium that witnessed his rise. And that is because the Whites play Real Sociedad on 15 August as part of the Txuri-urdin’s centenary celebrations.