As a summer of transfer controversy raged on, few would have predicted that, come the start of the season, Xabi Alonso would still be at Liverpool and Gareth Barry at Aston Villa.
Midfielder Alonso looked set for Serie A giants Juventus, while Liverpool wanted Barry to replace him at Anfield.
However, it all fizzled out and both players ended up staying put.
Now, Alonso in particular has made a stunning start to the season, playing a flexible role that requires creativity, strength and stints of screening the Reds' defence.
And as Liverpool ride high atop the Premier League pile, Alonso has put the summer behind him, committing himself to the club.
Now, goalkeeper Pepe Reina has hailed the 27-year-old as one of the best in the game at the moment.
He told the club's official website: "He has been amazing for these past four months. The character he has shown has been really good.
"He is a quiet person and a lovely guy; a good teammate. I don't need to talk about him as a player - people know how good he is.
"He has got everything - class, great passing, good in the air. He is one of the most complete midfielders in the world."
Meanwhile, Reina is eyeing the captain's armband, after Steven Gerrard tipped him for the role.
"It would be an honour, obviously," gushed the Spaniard. "The Liverpool armband is a great thing - we've always had great captains.
"Still, I think Stevie will be captain for a long time."
Midfielder Alonso looked set for Serie A giants Juventus, while Liverpool wanted Barry to replace him at Anfield.
However, it all fizzled out and both players ended up staying put.
Now, Alonso in particular has made a stunning start to the season, playing a flexible role that requires creativity, strength and stints of screening the Reds' defence.
And as Liverpool ride high atop the Premier League pile, Alonso has put the summer behind him, committing himself to the club.
Now, goalkeeper Pepe Reina has hailed the 27-year-old as one of the best in the game at the moment.
He told the club's official website: "He has been amazing for these past four months. The character he has shown has been really good.
"He is a quiet person and a lovely guy; a good teammate. I don't need to talk about him as a player - people know how good he is.
"He has got everything - class, great passing, good in the air. He is one of the most complete midfielders in the world."
Meanwhile, Reina is eyeing the captain's armband, after Steven Gerrard tipped him for the role.
"It would be an honour, obviously," gushed the Spaniard. "The Liverpool armband is a great thing - we've always had great captains.
"Still, I think Stevie will be captain for a long time."
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