Alonso is easily one of the most idolised players to have played for Liverpool in the Premier League era, and it's not difficult to understand why. He joined from Real Sociedad in the summer of 2004, joining shortly after Benitez became manager, and although just 22 at the time, he played with great maturity and quality from day one. It was evident that the Reds had a supreme talent on their hands. He won the Champions League at the end of his first season at Anfield, scoring in the final against Milan, and won the FA Cup a year later in 2006. During that season he scored an audacious effort from the halfway line against Luton Town, and repeated that feat against Newcastle in 2006/07 with an even better effort. During 2008/ 09 Alonso formed a superb partnership with Mascherano at the heart of Liverpool's midfield- those two, with Gerrard further forward, were the best midfield unit in Europe at the time- as they came agonisingly close to winning the Premier League. He departed for Real Madrid in the summer of 2009, much to the dismay of many, bringing an end to five fabulous years at the club. His vision and creativity were, and still are, a joy to watch.
