Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso (born 25 November 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country, Spain) is a footballer who plays for Liverpool F.C. and is a central defensive midfielder, often playing as a deep-lying playmaker.
Son of 'Periko' Alonso, Alonso began his career at Real Sociedad and after a brief loan period at SD Eibar returned to the La Liga club. John Toshack appointed Alonso as his team captain and Alonso succeeded in the role, taking Real Socieded to second place in the 2002-03 season. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. The Spaniard moved to Liverpool in August 2004 for £10.5 million. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the Community Shield and the FA Cup.
Although a newcomer to the English league, Alonso has impressed with his vision and an exceptional range of passing. After an initial settling-in period, he established himself as one of the mainstays of Liverpool's midfield. He has become a permanent fixture of Benitez' sides and has endeared many fans with his long-range passing ability and deft touches to open opposition teams up, plus his commitment in defending. These, coupled with his steady composure and the ability to shoot with confidence, qualify him as one of the best in Europe to play in the central-midfield role. However, competition for Alonso's place in the Liverpool first team has recently been stronger, with Javier Mascherano, Steven Gerrard and Lucas Leiva also being contenders for the position.