Xabi Alonso, a highly skilled and versatile midfielder, is widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation. With his exceptional technique, vision, and passing ability, Alonso had a significant impact on the teams he played for. Whether it was during his time with Liverpool, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, or the Spanish national team, Alonso consistently showcased his ability to control games and dictate the tempo from midfield. In this article, we will delve into his tactical intelligence, positional adaptability, and unique playing style that made him a true master of the game.
Playing alongside Steve Gerrard and Mascherano the Offensive Triangle
During his tenure at Liverpool, Xabi Alonso formed a formidable partnership with the legendary Steve Gerrard. Together, they contributed significantly to Liverpool’s success under the guidance of manager Rafa Benitez. Playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Alonso’s role as a left double-six required adaptability and versatility.
Under Rafa Benitez’s tactical approach, Alonso’s position was contingent upon the player alongside him or the attacking midfielder in the hole. When paired with Gerrard and another player in the advanced midfield position, Alonso assumed a more positional role. His primary objective was to link up play with the wide areas and provide accurate passes to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
The synergy between Alonso, Gerrard, and the dynamic forward Fernando Torres was pivotal to Liverpool’s attacking prowess. Their understanding on the pitch and ability to combine effectively unlocked the opposition’s defenses. Alonso’s passing range and vision played a crucial role in orchestrating Liverpool’s attacking moves.
Reflecting on his time at Liverpool, Alonso shared his insights into the different dynamics he experienced when playing alongside different teammates. When partnered with Gerrard and an additional player in the attacking midfield role, Alonso adjusted his positioning to accommodate Gerrard’s offensive runs. This created a triangular relationship on the pitch, where Alonso’s role was to provide support and connections between the players.
“I had to change my style and role in a team a little bit depending on who used to play alongside myself and who was number 10. “If I used to play next to Stevie (Gerrard) with another player in the hole, I knew I had to be positional and he was going to make the offensive runs and the triangle would be the other way around.”
However, in the later years, when playing alongside Javier Mascherano, Alonso had to adapt his game accordingly. Mascherano was a more positional player, focusing primarily on defensive duties and providing cover for the backline. In this scenario, Alonso took on a more advanced role, positioning himself closer to Gerrard and Torres, aiming to establish effective connections and contribute to the team’s attacking endeavors. Them 3 could rival the Xavi, Inesta, Busquets or Kroos, Modric, Casemiro
“When I played with Mascherano in the last years, Javier was more positional, very competitive and made good (defensive) runs but more in the position and not that offensive so I had to play further (forward) and get closer to Stevie and (Fernando) Torres and try and connect with them.”
During his time at Liverpool, Alonso made a significant impact on the team’s performance. In a total of 210 games, he scored 18 goals and provided 20 assists, showcasing his ability to contribute both offensively and defensively.
The partnership between Alonso and Gerrard, complemented by the skills and understanding of their teammates, including Torres, Carragher, and Mascherano, formed the backbone of Liverpool’s success during those years. The collective efforts and cohesion of the team made them a formidable force in English and European football.
“It was clear Alonso was royalty after our first training session together in August 2004. He was, by some distance, the best central midfielder I ever played alongside.” – Steve Gerrard
The Dynamic Midfield Duo: Xabi Alonso and Sami Khedira
Upon his transfer to Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso formed a formidable partnership with Sami Khedira in the midfield. Guided by coach Jose Mourinho, they played as the two central midfielders in a double pivot system, which proved highly effective for the team. Khedira’s energy, athleticism, and dynamic runs provided a strong support system for Alonso’s role in controlling the tempo of the game and initiating attacks from deeper positions.
Under Mourinho’s tactical approach, Real Madrid emphasized quick transitions and direct attacking play. The team focused on capitalizing on turnovers to launch rapid counterattacks, utilizing the attacking prowess of players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria, and Mesut Ozil. Alonso’s role in this system was crucial, as his ability to read the game and execute precise passes contributed significantly to Real Madrid’s offensive success.
With Khedira’s presence alongside him, Alonso had the freedom to orchestrate the team’s play from a deeper position. He displayed his exceptional passing range and vision, which allowed him to find playmakers like Ozil in advanced areas of the pitch. By bypassing the opposition’s defensive lines with accurate and incisive passes, Alonso played a pivotal role in creating goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.
During his time at Real Madrid, Alonso achieved notable success, contributing to the team’s trophy haul. He won La Liga in the 2011-2012 season, as well as the Copa del Rey in 2010-2011 and 2013-2014. Additionally, he was part of the team that clinched the Spanish Super Cup in 2012 and triumphed in the UEFA Champions League in 2013-2014.
In terms of individual contributions, Alonso appeared in 236 games for Real Madrid, scoring 6 goals and providing 31 assists. While his goal tally may not be extensive, his influence on the team’s overall performance cannot be understated. Alonso’s ability to control the tempo, distribute the ball effectively, and contribute defensively made him an integral part of Real Madrid’s success during his tenure.
The partnership between Alonso and Khedira in the midfield epitomized the balance between defensive solidity and attacking intent. Their understanding of each other’s roles and complementary playing styles created a formidable foundation for Real Madrid’s midfield.
Together, Alonso and Khedira played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s offensive exploits, contributing to a record-breaking season where the team scored 121 goals in La Liga 2011–12, the most ever in a single league campaign.
“I’ve never seen another player with his ability to play such fantastic passes.” – Mesut Ozil
The Bayern Munich Years: A Deep-Lying Playmaker
During his time at Bayern Munich, Xabi Alonso showcased his prowess as a deep-lying playmaker, leaving an indelible mark on the team’s playing style and success. Renowned for his vision, passing ability, and intelligent reading of the game, Alonso played a pivotal role in orchestrating Bayern Munich’s midfield and facilitating their attacking play.
Under the guidance of coaches such as Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti, Alonso’s role was vital in maintaining control of the game from a deeper position. He acted as the link between defence and attack, dictating the tempo and rhythm of the team’s play with his precise distribution and ability to switch play across the pitch.
Alonso’s ability to distribute accurate long and short passes allowed him to exploit spaces and find his teammates in advantageous positions. His vision and anticipation enabled him to unlock defences and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. Whether it was spraying diagonal long balls to the wide areas or playing incisive through balls to the forwards, Alonso’s passing range and execution were exemplary.
Furthermore, Alonso’s positional intelligence and understanding of the game made him an effective defensive presence as well. He was adept at intercepting passes, breaking up opposition attacks, and providing a shield to the Bayern Munich backline. His tactical discipline and ability to read the game ensured that he was always well-positioned to make crucial interceptions and regain possession for his team.
During his tenure at Bayern Munich, Alonso experienced notable success, both domestically and in Europe. He won the Bundesliga title three times (2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017) and also lifted the DFB-Pokal trophy in the 2015-2016 season. While the team fell short of European glory during Alonso’s time, his contributions on the pitch were instrumental in Bayern Munich’s strong performances in the UEFA Champions League.
Xabi Alonso played a total of 117 games, scoring 9 goals and providing 12 assists. These statistics reflect his overall influence on the team’s performances, showcasing his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively from his deep-lying playmaker role.
“Xabi Alonso is like a metronome, a player in the style of Xavi Hernandez. I’m sure that when he hangs his boots up he’ll be a great coach. He reminds me of Pep Guardiola when he was a player: he already acts like a coach when he is on the field.” – Jose Mourinho
At the heart of Alonso’s game was his exceptional passing ability. With impeccable vision and accuracy, he could thread the needle with his passes and split open defences. Whether it was a perfectly weighted through ball, a long-range switch of play, or a simple yet effective short pass, Alonso’s distribution was a joy to behold. He had the remarkable ability to dictate the tempo of a game and orchestrate attacks from deep midfield positions.
What made Alonso’s passing even more impressive was his composure under pressure. Regardless of the situation, he remained calm and composed, always looking for the best option to move the ball forward. His ability to retain possession and make quick decisions ensured that his team maintained control of the game and constantly posed a threat to the opposition.
Alonso’s playing style was not solely focused on his offensive contributions. He was also a proficient defensive midfielder, adept at intercepting passes and breaking up opposition attacks. His positional awareness and tactical discipline allowed him to read the game effectively, anticipate the opposition’s moves, and make timely interceptions. His defensive contributions were just as valuable as his offensive prowess, making him a complete midfielder.
One of Alonso’s trademarks was his elegant and effortless movement on the pitch. Despite not possessing lightning-fast speed, he had exceptional positional sense and an innate ability to find pockets of space. This enabled him to receive the ball in advantageous positions and dictate play from midfield. His smooth and graceful style of play made him a joy to watch, as he glided across the pitch, always in control of the game.
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