| Full name | Xabier Alonso Olano | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 25 November 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Tolosa, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | ||
| Playing position | Midfielder | ||
Xabier "Xabi" Alonso Olano (Basque pronunciation: [ˈʃabi aˈlons̺o]; born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country) is a Spanish World Cup-winning footballer who currently plays for La Liga team Real Madrid.
Alonso began his career at Real Sociedad,the main team of his home region: Gipuzkoa. 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 Sociedad to second place in the 2002–03 season. He 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 the FA Cup, and subsequently also the FA Community Shield. He moved to Real Madrid for the start of the 2009–10 season, in a deal worth around £30 million. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and in the 2006 World Cup and 2010 World Cup. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. He won the Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup with Spain.
He holds the record for the longest-range goal ever scored in open play in the Premier League, being some 61 yards away from Steve Harper's line when he netted against Newcastle United in 2006. The season before, he scored from 78 yards with an effort against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the FA Cup
Biography
Early life
When he was 15, Alonso went to the Irish town of Kells on a school exchange programme to learn English.[4] During his time there, he played gaelic football and developed a keen interest in the sport.
Alonso and Arteta were ambitious and dreamed of playing alongside each other for Real Sociedad when they were older. Though they attended different schools, the two young players 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 Real Sociedad and Arteta moved to Catalan giants Barcelona.[5] However, Alonso's move to Real Sociedad was not a companionless one as he was joined by his older brother Mikel Alonso who had also become an adept player.[1]
Alonso progressed through the youth ranks and the reserve team at Real Sociedad and impressed enough to earn a first team debut at the age of 18.[3] He made his first senior appearance against CD Logroñés in December 1999 in a Copa del Rey match.[6] Alonso failed to make another appearance in the season but the following year brought more opportunities. 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.[3] 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.[1] By the end of the season Sociedad had climbed out of the relegation zone and finished in 14th place.[7] Toshack lauded Alonso, noting that the impression he had on the team was exceptional, especially for a player from the youth-team.[1]
Real Sociedad
The 2002–03 season was the club's best league performance since the 1981-1982 season in which they won the league. 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.[10] In addition, Alonso significantly contributed to the team's goal tally, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.[11] 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.[12] Sáez raved over Alonso saying: "He has a fantastic range of accurate passing [and] sees football with an extraordinary clarity".[1]
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.[11] 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.[1] 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.[11] Alonso had other concerns and focused on international duty with Spain at the Euro 2004 tournament.[12] 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.[1]
The summer transfer window at Real Sociedad saw the arrival of Alonso's childhood friend Mikel Arteta.[13] Arteta was ecstatic at the prospect of partnering Alonso in midfield but his excitement was short lived.[2] Alonso was not picked for Real Sociedad's pre-season friendlies, signalling that an offer by Liverpool was being treated seriously.[13] The Basque side announced on 20 August 2004 that they had made a deal worth £10.7 million with Liverpool and Alonso had agreed terms with the Merseyside team.[6][14] Alonso did not lament the fact that a move to Real Madrid had not materialised. Instead he concentrated on integrating with the new Spanish contingent at Liverpool under the guidance of, ex-Valencia coach, Rafael Benítez.[1]
Liverpool
2004–05: Champions League victory
Alonso continued to provide important goals for the club, scoring his first goal at Anfield against Arsenal in a 2–1 victory.[20] Alonso was elated at the achievement and felt he was settling in well in England.[21] 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.[22][23]
He made his return to the first team in the second leg of the Champions League quarter final against Juventus. Alonso was not at full fitness but, as Steven Gerrard was injured, he played for the full 90 minutes and Liverpool held the score at 0–0 in Italy, defeating the eventual Italian Champions on aggregate.[24] 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".[25] 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.[26] Alonso was distraught that he would miss the game and vehemently contested the referee's decision to no avail.[27][28] 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.[29]
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.[30] Liverpool, trailing 3–2, 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.[31] Extra time passed without a goal from either team and Liverpool won 3–2 in the penalty shootout.[32] Alonso was praised for his pivotal influence on the team's comeback and manager Benítez reinforced his importance to the team.[33][34][35] Alonso was ecstatic with the win, commenting: "This is the best moment in my professional career".[36] 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
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.[38] Alonso scored two impressive goals from distance: one from 45 yards, and the other 65 yards from goal; behind the half-way line.[6][39] 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.[40] Alonso suffered an ankle injury in a 3–1 victory over Portsmouth, putting his participation in the FA Cup final in doubt.[41] 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, could not 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.[42]
2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons
On 8 June 2007 Alonso signed a five-year contract, undermining a flurry of transfer rumours. He had settled in well at Liverpool and after signing the contract extension he stated: "I knew there was interest from other clubs but it was always my idea to stay here. I have been here for three seasons now and have such special feelings for the club and the supporters. I understand what Liverpool means to so many people. It is such a special club and I just didn't want to leave."[47] The 2007–08 season started well for the Spaniard: Gerrard's absence led to Alonso playing in a more advanced position and he scored twice in a 6–0 rout against Premier League newcomers Derby County.[48][49] However, the bright beginning was short-lived as a minor injury sustained in a game against Portsmouth became aggravated in training.[50] The metatarsal injury forced him out of training for six weeks but his return to the first team was rushed and his injury recurred in his first game back. Alonso's determination and passion proved to be his downfall and he later reflected: "I had been feeling a bit tired around that time because it was only my first game back and the match was very fast. But as a player you don't want to come off, particularly when the team is winning and I stayed on."[51]
Alonso returned from injury at the end of 2007 but over the following months he increasingly faced competition for a place in midfield from Javier Mascherano and Lucas Leiva.[52][53] His role in Liverpool's five man midfield role was assured, however, as Rafael Benítez regarded him as "a top class player", stating that Alonso had the ability to change games and break down the opposition's defence.[54][55] Alonso made a landmark 100th league appearance for Liverpool on 12 January 2008 against Middlesbrough.[56]
2008–09 season
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.[60][61] Alonso's importance to the team was further underlined when he scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory against Chelsea, making Liverpool the first away team to win at Stamford Bridge in over four years.[62] Statistical analysis reflected Alonso's good form: on 11 December figures from Opta revealed that he was the first Premier League player to complete 1000 successful passes in the season.[63] His last goal for Liverpool came in their match against Hull, scoring a volley after his own free kick hit the Hull City wall.
Real Madrid
2009–10 season
Unless he was injured or suspended, Manuel Pellegrini gave Alonso a start in every match of the Champions League and in La Liga in his first season at the club.[70] In La Liga he helped his club finish with 96 points, three points behind winners FC Barcelona.[71] After achieving the feat with Real Sociedad in 2002–03 and with Liverpool in 2008–09, this was the third time in Alonso's career whereby he helped his team set a new club record in terms of points gathered, while finishing in second position. His first season at Real Madrid was reasonably successful as he was considered one of the club's 'most consistent' players.[72] Readers of MARCA made him part of their La Liga team of the season, as their choice defensive midfielder. The only other Real Madrid player featured was Cristiano Ronaldo.[73] Alonso received the same accolade from ESPNsoccernet, who compiled their team in association with the Castrol Index.[74] He was also a nominee in the LFP Awards, awards given out by the Liga de Fútbol Profesional, the Spanish Football league. He was nominated in the category 'Best Midfielder' alongside Xavi and Javi Martinez.[75] Several members of the Spanish press, as well as a number of Real Madrid supporters have given Alonso a new nickname: La Barba Roja (The Red Beard).[76] Alonso finished the 2009–10 season with three goals for Real Madrid.
2010–11 season
International career
Euro 2004
Alonso was a substitute in Spain's 1–0 victory against Russia and played a full 90 minutes against Portugal. Spain were knocked out in the group stage.[12]2006 World Cup
Euro 2008
2010 World Cup
Basque Country
Alonso made his debut for the Basque Country official football team in a friendly against Ghana on 29 December 2001 [86] and receives regular call ups since, while - due to his busy club schedule - not always being able to appear.Personal life
Alonso and Everton player Mikel Arteta were neighbours on the same street while growing up in San Sebastián and also lived near each other in Liverpool.[93] Alonso convinced Arteta to transfer to Everton after he told him how happy he was living in Liverpool.[94] Alonso also helped persuade former Real Sociedad team mate Juan Ugarte to make a move to Wales by joining Wrexham in 2004.[95]
His brother, Mikel Alonso, spent a season on loan at Bolton Wanderers in the 2007–08 season with an option for a permanent deal.[96][97] However, the team opted not to extend the loan deal and he returned to Spain to train with Xabi Alonso's former club, Real Sociedad.[98] Alonso also has another brother involved in football, Jon, who works as a referee.[99]
Alonso is a Meath gaelic football supporter. His interest in the Irish sport stems from the age of 15 when he went to the Irish town of Kells on a school exchange programme to learn English, where he played it in his spare time.
Honours
Club
LiverpoolCountry
SpainIndividual
- Don Balón Award for Spanish Player of the Year: 2003
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