Now that Xabi Alonso has handed in a transfer
request (according to the Liverpool Echo) I have
come to terms with the fact that he is moving on.
And if he isn't, ignore this paragraph.
I have mixed feelings about Xabi's leaving.
Obviously, he is an excellent midfielder and
probably the best passer of the ball in the
world. When he arrived at Anfield in 2004, I saw
him play a match against Norwich City that
remains with me to this day. He was pinging 40
yard passes for fun. And to be honest, while
Norwich City are not exactly world beaters (where
have you gone Jeremy Goss?), I don't think his
form ever matched up to that Norwich City
performance. In fact, two seasons ago, Alonso
went through a period where he was, well, poor.
But he was excellent this past season, and I hope
he maintains this standard, regardless of the team he plays for. In general, £10.5m for five
years of sterling service in this day and age is
a good piece of business. Having said that, if
Real Madrid get Alonso for less than £26m, that
would be a steal.
Anyway, on to the top 7:
7) Xabi sings "Best midfield in the world"
- It was during an interview with Claire Rourke
on LFCTV, when she asked him if he was familiar
with the wonderful song that
supporters sing. He said yes. She asked him
to sing some of it. We all laughed expecting him
to do the same. But he sang it! And while Xabi is
no Steve Perry, it was great to
see him being a good sport about it.
(Photo from liverpoolvideo.
blogspot.com, where you can also download the
clip)
6) Goal from his own half vs Luton Town, 2006 -
With Luton's goalkeeper in the opposition's
penalty area, Xabi rolled in a goal from 70
yards. The funniest part is Steven Gerrard
screaming, watching the ball roll in, then
starting to applaud.
5) Goal from 40 yards vs Luton Town, 2006 - I
rank this goal above the previous one because he
manages to get a dip on the
ball despite having no space whatsoever
4) Goal v Arsenal, 2004 - Truth be told,
the build up was better than the goal itself. But
it still required a fierce shot. In a match that
would be overshadowed by Neil Mellor's final
minute winner, this is one of my favourite
Liverpool goals ever. Apparently no one else
thinks so because I can't find a YouTube link.
3) Goal from 70 yards v Newcastle United, 2006 - Sure,
Steve Harper slipped. But it was still amazing.
2) Champions League semi final v Chelsea,
2005 - Xabi was injured. Xabi signed
autographs for fans before the match. For a
while. For a long while. Xabi was standing on the
touchline during stoppage time. Xabi bolted on
the field at the final whistle. That may not seem
like much, but I was impressed. Suitably
impressed to put it at #2 in my countdown.
1) The penalty v AC Milan, Istanbul 2005 - It couldn't be anything else. The comeback of all
comebacks had already begun, but with a penalty to potentially even the scoreline, Xabi Alonso stepped up. I'm still surprised
that he took that penalty, and in fact, I suspect
that was his first for the club. Still though, he
had the presence of mind to follow up after Dida
saved. What a goal. What a night.
Thanks for the memories, Xabi!
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