When Alonso arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2004, he was seen as one of Spain's most exciting young players. He settled into life in England brilliantly, becoming an influential figure in Rafa Benitez's side almost immediately. He would go on to become one of the Reds' greatest midfielders of the last 30 years. Blessed with fantastic creativity, a strong character and an eye for the spectacular- he twice scored from the halfway line during his time on Merseyside- he simply oozed class every week, forming a brilliant partnership with Steven Gerrard in the middle of the park. There was a calming influence about the former Real Sociedad man, and his exploits in Liverpool's 2005 Champions League run were magnificent. He left Anfield for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, having spent four brilliant years at the club. His relationship with Benitez became strained, and it was time to move on. Currently at Bayern Munich, Alonso remains as good as ever at the age of 32, and is still sung about at Liverpool today.
