Footballers are often tagged as world class talents and with varying degrees of merit. However, if there is one sporting arena where that level talent is not only judged by the highest of standards but recognised and valued highly when found its Anfield.
Few would argue Xabi Alonso fitted into the category so when the faithful regather on Saturday for the sole remaining friendly before the new season kicks off it will be with a heavy heart now the Spaniard’s transfer to Real Madrid has been confirmed.
At the time of his arrival almost five years ago Liverpool lacked that creative spark which had hallmarked some of the great sides of recent decades. There had been flashes of creativity during the reign of Gerard Houllier but towards the fag end of his spell at the helm - a very demoralising period for Reds - that spark was not even flickering. It was totally absent.
The capture of the then little heralded 22 year old Basque was, despite a reputation for being a formulaic and cautious manager, a statement of intent by Rafael Benitez who knew the Spanish market better than any other and recognised one of its rising stars had the temperament plus ability to fulfil a playmaker role at any grade. Indeed in any country.
A midfielder with vision and a huge passing range was by any reckoning a breath of fresh air but Alonso offered so much more.
Though it was still available in European football time on the ball had become something of a rarity in the domestic product and in these febrile atmospheres Xabi appeared to have those few crucial seconds - somehow conjuring them up when no one else could.
The Steven Gerrard/Fernando Torres axis in attack has performed so well partly because of the role Alonso assumed.
Many including those who should know better labelled him a holding or defensive midfielder but Xabi made it possible for the captain to push forward and creative the devastating pairing.
Despite his cultured nature Alonso got through his share of the hard yards and no small measure of the 'nuts and bolts' midfield toil. He was keen to chuck himself in where the boots were flying or a melee developed to stamp not just his but Liverpool’s authority on the engine room.
In truth he had a deep lying role and position from which he could direct patterns of play plus the tempo. It allowed Gerrard the freedom to maraud rather than be tempted to put out fires in other areas of the field.
Alonso was a key component in a spine it had taken the Anfield boss five years to assemble and which came closer to claiming the title than any other Liverpool side had in many seasons.
His linking play be it through a six yard short ball or a sweeping 60 yard pass which softly caressed the grass as it bounced and fell inch perfect for the intended recipient. Just as vital as the ability to spray balls to all corners of the pitch with unerring accuracy was that whatever pass he made the right one was almost always selected.
When his other attributes were added Benitez had a potent weapon in his hands but all good things must come to an end. In football that is inevitable and includes Xabi Alonso’s tenure in a red shirt.
Though his departure is far from a welcome one it does at least draw a line under a summer long saga allowing everyone to move on.
The funds received have already been earmarked for reinvestment in a similar type of player and there has at least been adequate notice for alternatives to not just be explored but assessed and lined up within 24 hours of the agreement being announced.
Alberto Aquilani is not a like for like replacement though is stylish, fast across the ground and industrious. The move go through if his fitness can be proved. There are other options already at the club too.
As he is not a regular name on the score sheet it possibly suggests there may be additions perhaps one arrival to supplement the forward line and allow variations of play within the 4-2-3-1 system which proved so effective last term.
Statistics never tell the whole truth about a player’s contribution even if they suggest Liverpool averaged more points per game and had a better win ratio with the Basque in the ranks.
Xabi Alonso’s presence would have undoubtedly aided the quest for number 19 though his absence will not exactly hinder any surge in that direction. The Reds pulled off some notable wins in his absence.
Real Madrid’s need for the player is actually far more acute than Liverpool’s and that slice of the £200 million spending spree which brought Alonso to the Bernabeu is the most vital investment Florentino Perez has made.
Many of those highly priced Galaticos will find themselves unable to play how they did in their former leagues be that in England, Italy or France and will encounter a very different highly technical game were movement can be staccato rather than flowing.
He will take up his new challenge with gratitude for his contribution to the club and best wishes for the future.
Leaving Anfield a better player than he was on arrival.
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