Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has heaped praise upon midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, suggesting that his fellow Spaniard is approaching career-best form.
Xabi Alonso was man-of-the-match as the Reds romped to a 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers yesterday afternoon. His silky passing opened up the game early on, but his defensive nous proved just as valuable when the Trotters pressed forward during the second half.
It is amazing to think that the Basque playmaker would not still be wowing Premier League crowds with his majestic 65-yarders if Juventus had been willing to meet Liverpool's asking price during the summer, or if Gareth Barry had made his long-expected switch from Aston Villa to Anfield.
Injuries and a drawn-out recovery process saw Alonso slip down Benitez's pecking order last season. Javier Mascherano's growing reputation as the best defensive midfielder in the world made him undroppable, while Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva was staking a strong claim for the other deep-lying spot behind Steven Gerrard.
But after an excellent showing at EURO 2008, the former Real Sociedad player has well and truly re-established himself as a first-team regular. And his manager couldn't be happier.
When asked if Alonso was in the best form of his Liverpool career, Benitez told the club's official website: "Clearly he is playing well.
"He played really well in his first year too. Okay, now he has more confidence and the players around him are maybe better too, like Gerrard and Javier Mascherano."
Alonso's champions have often suggested that his supposed drop in form after his debut season, 2004-05, was down to a lack of quality in the Merseysiders' attack. That problem seems to have been addressed, at long last.
The efforts of Albert Riera, who signed from Espanyol during the summer, have earned particular praise. The Spain winger has been a hit on the left flank, and many believe his touchline-hugging play has contributed hugely to Alonso's resurgence.
But Benitez believes his £40 million strike-duo should also take some of the credit: "It makes it easier for a midfielder when they have good movements of people like Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane in front."
Xabi Alonso was man-of-the-match as the Reds romped to a 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers yesterday afternoon. His silky passing opened up the game early on, but his defensive nous proved just as valuable when the Trotters pressed forward during the second half.
It is amazing to think that the Basque playmaker would not still be wowing Premier League crowds with his majestic 65-yarders if Juventus had been willing to meet Liverpool's asking price during the summer, or if Gareth Barry had made his long-expected switch from Aston Villa to Anfield.
Injuries and a drawn-out recovery process saw Alonso slip down Benitez's pecking order last season. Javier Mascherano's growing reputation as the best defensive midfielder in the world made him undroppable, while Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva was staking a strong claim for the other deep-lying spot behind Steven Gerrard.
But after an excellent showing at EURO 2008, the former Real Sociedad player has well and truly re-established himself as a first-team regular. And his manager couldn't be happier.
When asked if Alonso was in the best form of his Liverpool career, Benitez told the club's official website: "Clearly he is playing well.
"He played really well in his first year too. Okay, now he has more confidence and the players around him are maybe better too, like Gerrard and Javier Mascherano."
Alonso's champions have often suggested that his supposed drop in form after his debut season, 2004-05, was down to a lack of quality in the Merseysiders' attack. That problem seems to have been addressed, at long last.
The efforts of Albert Riera, who signed from Espanyol during the summer, have earned particular praise. The Spain winger has been a hit on the left flank, and many believe his touchline-hugging play has contributed hugely to Alonso's resurgence.
But Benitez believes his £40 million strike-duo should also take some of the credit: "It makes it easier for a midfielder when they have good movements of people like Fernando Torres and Robbie Keane in front."
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