Real Madrid: The five players who should never have been sold in the last 10 years
By Parshva Shah
Xabi Alonso (2009-2014)
After having a highly successful spell with Liverpool (a club he didn’t want to leave but had to, thanks to his rifts with manager Rafa Benítez), Xabi Alonso signed for Real Madrid in 2009.
Another player who was infinitely loved by the Bernabéu faithful, he emanated Madridismo every time he put on the white jersey and stepped on the pitch. He was deployed as a holding midfielder, either in a double-pivot in a 4-2-3-1 formation or as the sole anchor in a 4-3-3.
Alonso redefined the defensive midfielder role because he was a mixture of all types of midfielders in the mold of a central defensive midfielder. His style of play was sumptuous, and coupled with his tactical nous made him an indispensable figure.
The way he passed the ball, the manner in which he would switch the play or lay a long ball to someone near the opposition box was privy of his hawk-eyed vision.
The Spaniard garnered respect from his teammates and was looked upon as a leader. He was vital in Real Madrid winning two Copa del Rey titles against Barcelona. Although he did not feature in the 2014 Champions League final, his contribution en route the final cannot be ignored.
He was the key to Ancelotti’s system as his defensive aspect of the game allowed Ángel Di María to thrive as a central midfielder-winger hybrid.
The prospect of Alonso mentoring Casemiro had he stayed for a few more seasons before eventually retiring can get every Madridista excited. He has registered legendary status and is considered to be one of the best defensive midfielders the club has ever had, making a place for himself alongside players like Claude Makélélé and Fernando Redondo.
Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid career came to an end when he was sold to German giants Bayern Munich shortly after the 2014 World Cup. He appeared in 236 matches for Los Blancos.