Just how GOOD was Xabi Alonso Actually?

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How good was Xabi Alonso actually? #GOAT
New episode of a documentary series where I plan to present all the greatest players of all time and then give them a score so a ranking of the best players can be created. In this episode we take on Xabi Alonso who played for Liverpool and Real Madrid as well as Bayern Munich for most of his career, not only one of the greatest midfielders of all time but one of the greatest players of all time. See how Xabi Alonso ranks and just how good was he.

[@TheChannelofaDisappointedMan]

A rock. A player of tremendous class who proved himself in Spain, England, and Germany.

[@dr_ubo]

He will have an even more stellar career as a manager in the future. He has that aura to him.

[@vincentvries9854]

He is one of those players that is adored even by the rival fans. Class.

[@ProfessionalNonce]

@@dr_uboI hope you put money on that because you are spot on

[@rischio7678]

One of the best midfielders of his generation...could play in variety of systems...tiki taka, ultra defensive systems (Mourinho tactics), counter attacking...he was one of the few midfielders of his generation who could play long insane passes...he also knows how to really defend and can hold a midfield on his own.

[@thensocial3603]

People overlooked how he played in various system. They don't know how change of system can ruin careers but not this man.

[@IAmTetsuo1]

@@thensocial3603 great statement

[@KazuIza]

@@thensocial3603that is true, it is very important to know that tactics do affect a player individually and not only as a group, a team like Barcelona's Pep would do horribly with a defensive play.

[@georgefalconer9470]

Mourinhos Madrid wasn't ultra defensive, it had high possession and pressing stats that season, and it was a complete team tha could do everything. This isn't a diss on Xabi Alonso or saying that Madrid wasn't one of the best counter attacking teams ever.

[@buatareddevils2636]

​@@georgefalconer9470 yup,even MSN Barca couldn't break the goal scored record of Mourinho Laliga win season

[@simonforrest2522]

One of THE finest CM players ever to play for Liverpool..So classy on the ball and a passing range to die for..Let's not forget the goals from his own half..That MF 3 of Xabi, Stevie G and Mascherano was truly out of this world.. YNWA

[@johnmurphy7224]

Alonso at Liverpool was class act. He scoerd lot of spectacular. Goals him & Gerrard where a good understanding, in Liverpool 's midfield. Under Rafa, ⚽🇪🇸

[@peterwhelan1658]

He got even better when he went to Madrid ( a better team ) surrounded by better players, and don’t forget he went on to win a World Cup Euro title with 🇪🇸 and better than Steeeevy Xavi and Inielesta hair, league title and a ECL with Real then pulled the strings in the middle Bayern for another 3 r 4 yrs winning titles every year so like Pirlo he got better with time just a bit better! Just

[@peterwhelan1658]

Rafa didn’t sell him for four xears!

[@lfcfacupglory3111]

@@peterwhelan1658 yes we know real madrid are a better team you don't have to tell us🤦🏽‍♂️

[@mahfoudseraf5995]

@@lfcfacupglory3111 not currently tho

[@Josh-zu7th]

one of the most good looking men and footballers to play the game

[@TheSuperhoden]

The God of long distance passing

[@RonaldoCR-fi9nk]

Specially the Lob passes/Air passes

[@edwardtafadzwafusire1842]

Imagine Pirlo and Alonso in the same midfield 😭

[@TheBlaukopf]

The best but also the slowest Midfield in ever :D

[@chyu89]

They are going to get tackled hard.

[@shaanggames8543]

It will produce great passes but defensively be destroyed

[@ShivSai123456]

Imagine Pirlo Busquets and alonso

[@mandhemjallow1333]

Every striker would love that have that kind of midfield

[@marianchicago4002]

Best pivot, defensive midfielder of his generation, with a shout for all time best, strong in tackle, solid defensively, over the years played in double pivot for Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourhinho, was able to seamlessly fit into tiki taka Spain team, and played as single pivot for Bayern Munich in possession team, in my opinion best long ball passer ever, unlike most long balls, his tend to drop softly and are easy to control, his Real Madrid teams were designed on forwards running unto those long balls, you look at transfers last couple years, how many players have struggled because their teams don’t play to their strengths or are not designed around them, Xabi Alonso excellent everywhere

[@vincentvries9854]

He was one of those players that are just puzzles that fit, he is so intelligent that he can adapt to whatever the coach wants from him, the perfect midfielder for any coach.

[@AG-kb7yb]

Don't forget back spin on long range passes when required

[@ryanriley2635]

As a Manchester United fan .I can now agree he was a hell of a player

[@ronnieswoleman4290]

Alonso was arguably the greatest DLP of the last 30 years, alongside Pirlo.

[@mattvanemden7573]

I dont think its argued. Its an unequivocal fact that Xabi Alonso is in the top 5 best playmakers ever.

[@vincentvries9854]

Scholes, Pirlo and Xabi had a long pass that many can only dream of

[@pepejoluy7133]

Great video, Xabi has always been somewhat of an unsung hero but I'd argue one of the most crucial players for the Spanish national team, Real and of course Liverpool. Legend.

[@juanjoseph]

Alonso was simply amazing.

[@araidhzkun]

My Favorite Midfielder all of the time, I am one of the one who was so happy when he signed for LFC and I was really pissed of with Benitez that they want to replace Xabi with Barry and sold him to Madrid which lead to destruction of LFC in Benitez era

[@_joars]

Back here to watch this 😂 Xabi gave me a reason to. What a legend 🎉❤ As a Player, now he will never be forgotten as a Coach

[@mohammadmehradsadraeearef6168]

Still waiting for Rummenigge and Zanetti. Btw, your videos are becoming better and better every time. Keep it up!

[@kizmutyaba4965]

I loved this guy. Gerrard said first training session he said he was class

[@fungy08]

am really enjoying these contents! thank you for making them

[@AviLOrkQ]

An underestimated legend.

[@melusimsani1964]

Xabi Alonso he is one of the greatest difensive mildifield ever player from European football game today ERA salute to him I being consists and always bring A performance and impact on the pitch 🔥🔥❤❤👌👌👏👏✊✊

[@crazyhorse601]

It’s weird... I’m a winger but all my favorite players were playmaking midfielders like pirlo and Xavi Alonso

[@leosoundtrack]

Xabi Alonso and Clarence Seedorf both deserve higher scores. Attacking skills may garner more attention, but these two were technically marvellous, and crucial in their respective roles. Pundits often talk about forwards turning a game with moments of brilliance, but more frequently it is deep lying playmakers who dictate the pace and flow. Both of these legends demonstrated absolute class and integrity, throughout their careers, on and off the pitch, making them genuine role models for countless midfield maestros of the future.

[@josue.ortega]

Together with Pirlo the most elegant, smart and composed long passer I've seen.

[@patogames5099]

Vieira, Van Basten, Adriano, Gullit, Rijkaard, Gascoigne, the list goes on of players you could do next. 🤣

[@jeffleake1960]

He was a massive player for Liverpool, a joy to watch and oh I could of cried when he left

[@afunnyusername5599]

i remember the goal he scores at 7:09 laughing my ass off at the time as you can see just after he strikes it Gerrard is screaming at him for not passing and wasting the chance until he glances at the goal and realises its going in, looks around kind of awkwardly and stops telling Xabi off and starts clapping instead.

[@craigcassidy6078]

He was percussionist in our midfield along with stevie and javier.. pure class

[@urbanapache2]

More like the conductor

[@random-J]

Good, job, piece of advice, say the stats at the end of each season.

[@poopinihodagod3667]

Great content as usual

[@niloydas751]

You're channel is growing Keep up the hard work ❤

[@Hamlet-wp2ri]

If you have control of the midfield, you have control of the game, and you have more chances to win... Xabi Alonso.

[@cheikhahmedtidianegueye5751]

How good was redondo or How good was geoge hagi

[@DailyDoseOfFootballYT]

been considering hagi for a while now

[@peterwhelan1658]

Well it took Zizou to replace Redondo (Zizou was my favourite player of all time) But the class he showed to not take any wages at Milan until he was fit to play, Class see the KZbin footage of him destroying Man Us best ever team ! I’d say watch him before you say anything, For me one of the best ever!

[@cheikhahmedtidianegueye5751]

@@peterwhelan1658 yes but redondo is a little but forgotten today so why not make this type of episode on him to remmember the exeptionnal player he was

[@bcbitchkkv]

Oooh, Redondo AND Donadoni would be awesome to see!

[@raycroal]

@@peterwhelan1658 redondo for me was the best ever in his position, i used to watch him control everything in the games in the 90's never lose the ball doing things simply then using unbelievable skill only when needed, the ball just stuck to him

[@christouvelos4897]

he made the players around him look good by giving them time and space to work their magic

[@firminonimi7405]

My favorite player of all time❤. A true craque👏👏👏

[@quicktingz2097]

He was absolutely amazing. So underappreciated. In my opinion better than Xavi.

[@HenSt-gz7qj]

I'd say he's better than Busquets, not Xavi. Iniesta - Alonso - Xavi are my favorite trio in Spain midfield.

[@raulgonzalezblanco2044]

@@HenSt-gz7qj Xabi Alonso was a CDM ofcourse he should compare with Busquets and he is better not even a debate

[@theodorekell]

Here is unconventional great for you to review Gaetano Scirea Defender with no red cards. Only 9 yellow in 15 years with Juve And look at this 7 Serie A titles, 2 Italian Cups, 1 UEFA Cup, 1 Cup Winners' Cup, 1 European Cup, 1 UEFA Super Cup, and 1 Intercontinental Cup, 1 FIFA World Cup

[@AntonioSaucedo22]

Great vid about a superb player.

[@Unknown-gz8dt]

Unpopular opinion: Gerrard wasn’t the same when Xabi Alonso left liverpool

[@Ultimecea90]

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 Gerrard weren't the best midfielder for Liverpool when Xabi is there.

[@Unknown-gz8dt]

@@Ultimecea90 I know bro I’m pointing out to how when Xabi left Gerrard didn’t look as good when he was playing without him

[@Ultimecea90]

@@Unknown-gz8dt I know 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 Gerrard is the one forcing the move Just to make him better

[@dmoney9920]

Xabi Alonso has some type of similar facial factions from Steven Gerrard

[@jonnomackrill7155]

Great vid. Good luck with exams

[@MainesOwn]

3:15 I was hitting the like button three years after you made this video. However, my team is in this year's CL-semifinal, I will let you know how it went!

[@zaynebruno5829]

Great video I think you should do Ballack next

[@thebristolianmackem2039]

The Brian clough story from player to manager would be a great video please 🙏

[@jacksmith4460]

A world Class midfielder, and simply the best Long Range passer to ever play Football (certainly in my lifetime)

[@Echo_Recon_01]

I remember his equalizer against AC Milan in Istanbul, His Long range strike against Luton Town and another one against Newcaste.

[@nevilo1]

The man was and still is (as a manager) a freaking sniper.

[@ryany6776]

He will very soon be a Top 3 manager in the world, when he takes over a massive club like Real or Bayern.

[@somebodysaidthat]

Great video! I think you should stop saying "dumb kid" in your disclaimer. You are more knowledgeable about these legends than that would suggest! I hope your channel keeps growing, let's see one on Hagi!

[@SonnyK248]

If someone can explain to me how Paul Scholes was better than Xabi Alonso I'd love to listen. He won multiple league titles under many teams. Multiple champions leagues on many teams. One in 2005 in a team that had Djimi Traore, Harry Kewell, Drjbril Cisse, Milan Baros and so on. And also won three international titles in a row! He should be heralded as a level above Scholes not just better than him.

[@john-gregorysierra8875]

I hope it's not too late for me to answer seeing how it has been a year since you posted this lol Now before I give you reasons as to why some may think that, I would like to preface this argument by saying that I prefer Xabi Alonso. Now with that out of the way. Paul Scholes is a LEGENDARY midfielder. I grew up a Real Madrid fan, but I loved watching Paul Scholes dictate the tempo of every single game he was in. He played normally played a more central role in the midfield as opposed to Xabi Alonso's role as a CDM/DLP. However, Paul Scholes could move the ball faster with his short passing like Xavi at Barca could and could create chances from deep like Pirlo. Paul has played as a secondary striker, a box-to-box midfielder, a controller in central midfield, and as a DLP as he got older. His stats reflect that as well. 107 goals and 56 assists in 500 EPL appearances. Now I don't judge players off stats alone because it doesn't tell the whole story, but it does outline some talking points. Xabi Alonso's league stats (La Liga, EPL, Bundesliga) are 32 goals and 51 assists in 494 appearances. Hardly as flattering right? But they do play VERY different positions. Busquets is heralded as one the best DMs in history (not by me) and his stats are 11 goals and 31 assists in 451 appearances in La Liga. Paul Scholes is what any player would want as a partner in center midfield (just ask Zidane), whereas Xabi Alonso is the model defensive midfielder who can shield a backline while dictating the tempo of a game or turning the game entirely on its head with his world-class range of passing. So when I hear someone say that Paul Scholes is not worthy of being mentioned in the same breath of Xabi Alonso (I get it), I try to remind people that they are very different players who made those midfield roles their own. They were both world-class and are legends of the beautiful game. Hope that helps.

[@SonnyK248]

@@john-gregorysierra8875 Yes Paul Scholes didn't play Alonso's role until the back end of his career. But that is what Paul Scholes is known for. That is when he started dictating the tempo of matches and when United started playing a somewhat continental style. For some reason people who claim to be fans of his think he played this way his entire career which is not true. He spent the majority of his career playing a similar position to Frank Lampard. United would a very pragmatic wing based 4 4 2, Keane was the boss of the midfield and by far their best midfielder and Beckham was the main playmaker known for his amazing ball delivery. Scholes was mostly there to score goals which he did. This is why it was never considered as an option for Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes to play together for England because at the time they were all playing roughly the same position for their clubs and one had to go so Scholes was sacrificed. Somthing everuone at the time understood and has only become a big deal after the fact. But no one cares about that when talking about Scholes. They all talk about his deeper playing days like they were his whole career. So in that regard I say what could he do from deep that Alonso couldn't? and the answer is not much. Alonso was also a world classs passer, could shoot and was a much better defender. and as for legends of the game. He has three international trophies, he won a bunch of champions leagues with Liverpool and Real and a bunch of league titles in Spain and Germany. He's about as legendary as you can get. If he was English he'd probably be classed as one of the best midfielders ever.

[@Yarblocosifilitico]

We have great memories of him at Madrid

[@LukaS-rw2zt]

Maestro

[@jomo2483]

All the best in your exams bro!

[@priyansukumarsingh6928]

Hope you will be consistent.

[@dr_ubo]

I would increase his mentality stat, but yeah, he was great. Btw, have you done Berbatov yet? One of my favorite players ever

[@JRA73]

My favourite player of all time behind Kenny Dalglish being a Liverpool supporter.

[@chromedome4643]

My fav all time player.

[@vaayman7770]

Thank you Xabi. Mia San Mia.

[@jamesmartin1859]

One of the d best defensive mildfilder with a long range pass

[@subsequentmoviefilm]

3:02 Aight say no more, take my like

[@FMTCH]

Rafa Benitez let him go to pursue Gareth Barry Great call Rafa

[@Limpi43]

Offensive traits and finishing... For a defensive midfielder??? Let's pretend it's relevant. He scored 60 goals, that's more than Sergio Busquets' and Claude Makelele' goals COMBINED!!! and you gave him 7/10?? 15:54 Maybe you shouldn't ask people about the best midfielders of the last 15 years, but the best DEFENSIVE midfielders of the last 15 years. Specially if you ask fans where he played, I'm pretty sure that he would be mentioned "nine out of ten times".

[@johannesdenzer240]

Klose next(i responded under your George Best video)

[@Indiaspride1947]

Nice

[@UnoQueVaYViene]

This guy deserved to be higher than kaka for example... trophies... is a 10/10. Won the champions league with 2 different teams, won twice Eurocup, 1 world cup, spanish and german leagues, english cup... An Icon in Lpool, an Icon in RMadrid and an example in Bayern. I dont believe "ICON" is something that has to do with how good is it. It should, but not necesarily

[@mohdshahazanchehassan488]

Love his action in Liv shirt last time. I can say, Liv has loss their stint for many season in the European league after he left. YNWA Alonso!

[@AndreSawyers]

I think all the new generation football fans should watch this .

[@j0rge1000]

Xabi Alonso will always be in my top 10 midfielders.

[@oeckstei]

Underrated midfielder

[@Eltuong]

Serial winner and gentleman

[@amina-pr8xt]

00:55 Legends Arkonada (San Sebastian) & Zubizarreta (Bilbao)

[@muhdtaufiq1066]

My favourite player ever. I always try to play like him. Hihihi

[@djuelzp]

Cannavaro next please

[@sewyspeed77]

Who knows this guy is going to win bundesliga for a team which has never won it it's life time and demolishing the Bayern Heritage of 11 years with more than 42 unbeaten games classic !!!!

[@adrianzegada4759]

Give some love to Korea! How good was Park!!!

[@TheSuperhoden]

hey wait a minute, i recall you saying iniestaaa was comming. yes ima woman so i come haunting you with things you say in the past

[@passion4pes228]

This type of humor🤣❣

[@markjones2418]

If alonso was at Liverpool now at his peak they would win the league this season i know if only is what a lot of people say but he was different class as a player world class ⚽️🥇

[@flyr2261]

what a player he was

[@patogames5099]

If you're a Liverpool supporter... you know the answer before watching the vid.

[@bcbitchkkv]

Imagine a best of XI in this millenia.. Gerrard, Alonso, Fabinho midfield with Suarez & Torres on top, and either Salah, Mané or Firmino. Or the long balls of a team with the same midfield, AND Robertson & TAA from the backs :D

[@patogames5099]

@@bcbitchkkv GK ALISON CB CARRAGHER CB VAN DJIK RB ALEXANDER-ARNOLD LB ROBERTSON CM GERRARD CM ALONSO RM SALAH LM MANE ST SUAREZ ST TORRES SUBS REINA HYYPIA GOMEZ HAMANN STERLING OWEN Some very good players miss out.

[@edwinsparda7622]

The guy has the potential to be Manager in Germany and England.

[@user-rm9lz6sm5t]

อลอนโซ่เป็นคนสุภาพ.ชอบ.

[@DavidCaveCNNKE]

A great player but where in the rankings are Messi, Pele and Jay Jay Okocha?

[@levanabrzeni]

4 genius playmakers in one team: Xavi, Iniesta, Fabregas and Alonso

[@vertex2706]

Can you do gianfranco zola

[@davegentry7576]

Can you do Landon donovon!

[@markjordan262]

Why were you showing footage of our FA Cup win vs Luton Town in 2006 while describing the UCL final from 25/05/05 (for number 5)?

[@oswinbrown6449]

next video of paul Scholes bro

[@bobbestofbobs]

How good was Ruud Gullit?

[@lalitthapa101]

Next video Recommendation-Video on tony Adams aka MR ARSENAL Plzzzzzzzzz🙏🙏🙏

[@pullnakstory]

Bro, Do Makelelee 🙏

[@jamesfagan7823]

Imagine Alex Foley and Ben Stiller in the same midfield amazing

[@BaldwinTheFifth]

Legend says that if our Portugal National team was coached by Padeira de Aljubarrota, we'd never lose against Spain, or a Tornament

[@helderandrade1762]

Faz em português , eu gosto do teu canal

[@footballpicks1851]

do Trezeguet, Davids and Stam

[@djuelzp]

Cannavaro please

[@ovcharkaboxing]

good luck with your exams bro.

[@kamariwhite6269]

How good was Pele?

[@DailyDoseOfFootballYT]

eventually a longer video for him

[@peterwhelan1658]

I don’t know how good Pele was? I just have old clips of him (the usual grainy 58 WC a few Santos clips and the usual 70 WC)so if I’m 50we need people of an older gen to tell us ! Also I’ve seen very little of Cryuff or Best, I started watching the next generation like Zico Platiini Brady Hoddle Robson P.Barnes J.Robertson and Laurie Cunningham and then my own gen the like Zizou Redondo Figo Rui Costa Hierro Baggio Gullet Rijkaard Papinn Ginnola Larrson Sammer A.Moller Buutregano and Sanchez M.Laudrop and Schuster and Effenberg n Michel I know I’ve left some out but I’d really like to know about Pele Di Steffano Puskas Gento Rensinbrink and his twin Cryuff Best Jinky Johnsonand all now with another lockdown on us would make great tv 📺 cos I’ve got a bit sick of today multi rich average players!

[@shaileshmurugesan2337]

Pls make a video about Steven Gerrard

[@kennymichaelalanya7134]

Nice video but where's Javier Saviola in all of this 😄. River Plate was awesome during those years.

[@mattvanemden7573]

Xabi Alonso, Steven Gerrard, and Kevin De Bruyne are the best midfield 3 possible from the Premier League era thus far IMO. Tbh i wouldnt choose any other three even given the chance to pick a world 11 from any league. No beating that midfield 3.

[@AIIXIII0]

Istanbul 05 showed this would never work. You need a CDM for all of them to play great.

[@Skarloc10]

I happened to notice that there is not one single german player in ur goat-list. Maybe make a video about Lahm, Müller, Schweinsteiger, Ballack, Neuer? ;)

[@DailyDoseOfFootballYT]

Schweinsteiger is there now!

[@iRnMaIdEn90]

Run 85 yards. Look at your shoe lace. That’s where Xabi Alonso was putting his pass. My favorite midfielder.

[@jonpeley]

I'm the same age as Xabi, and also we were born in the same city of San Sebastian. The first time we met was when we we were around 18-19 years old and Xabi was on loan to Eibar. By then I was a mediocre lower league referee but we had common friend from Antiguoko (his parent club before la Real). He once came from a match against Atletico de Madrid in the Calderon which was a draw playing for Eibar and, at around 2-3 hours after the midnight, he arrived and wanted a little bit of party. He asked for some "kalimotxo" (the basque mix of wine and coke) and they started dancing on a table which was finally destroyed. I always tell that story that no one believes, but I was there and I don't care. He's been a legend in the world of football and I was a referee in the lower leagues of the Basque Country for around 15 years, but I don't care.