Xabi Alonso

Name: Xabier Alonso Olano
Nationality: Spanish
Date and Place of Birth: Born November 25, 1981 in Tolosa, Basque Country, Spain
Playing Position: Midfielder
Current Club: Liverpool (English Premier League)
Club Career: 2000-2004 Real Sociedad
2004-present Liverpool

International Career: 2003 - present Spain

About Xabi Alonso:
Although born Xabier Alonso Olano in 1981, the Spanish and Liverpool player is more commonly known as simply “Xabi Alonso”. Alonso has established himself as an exciting central midfielder and creative playmaker and his strong imposing performances have helped Liverpool to progress both domestically and in Europe.

Alonso has the game of football in his blood from an early age as his father Periko Alonso was a famous footballer for both Barcelona and Real Sociedad. Alonso showed a natural love and talent for football and he was a part of the youth academy at Real Sociedad during his formative years. Alonso made his senior debut for Real Sociedad in the 1999-00 season and worked hard to gain a permanent starting place in the first team. Through his hard work and impressive performances Alonso secured his place as an integral member of the Real Sociedad team and helped the club to a second place finish in La Liga in the 2002-03 season.

Alonso moved from Sociedad to English Premiership side Liverpool in 2004. At Liverpool Alonso has extended his influence on the English game with an impressive passing ability coupled with exciting creative flair. Alonso has secured a solid place in the first team at Liverpool and has played a crucial role in Liverpool’s recent success in Europe. In the 2005 Champion’s League final Alonso was a key member of the team who led the now infamous comeback against AC Milan, scoring the third goal helping to force the final to penalties which Liverpool eventually won.

Alonso has recently pledged his future to the Anfield club signing a new five year contract keeping him at Liverpool until 2012. Alonso is one of the influential players in the current Liverpool set up hoping to force the club on to glory in the League becoming serious competitors domestically.

Alonso plays for the Spanish national football team and has become a regular fixture since first making his debut against Ecuador in 2003. Alonso was a member of the Spanish squad that participated in the 2006 FIFA World Cup and at the tournament he succeeded in scoring his first international goal in a match against the Ukraine.