Xabi Alonso played with some of the best footballers of the 21st century during a glittering career which took in spells at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, as well as a golden period with the Spanish national team.

At Anfield, his midfield partnership with Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano was about as well balanced as they come, while having Fernando Torres in front of him regularly got the best out of both players.

TalkingPoints

How are you feeling about this match? Join us and follow this TalkingPoint as we visit Brentford.

Linz, Austria – October 14: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool FC celebrates after scoring his teams fifth Goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/2027 match between LASK and Liverpool at Oberösterreich Arena on October 14, 2026 in Linz, Austria.

Mascherano was Alonso’s most underrated teammate

Like Alonso, Mascherano has tried his hand at coaching since retiring from playing in 2016. And, just as his former Liverpool midfield partner did with Bayer Leverkusen, the Argentine has won a league title; with Inter Miami in 2025.

Nevertheless, he is currently out of work again. Overlooked as a coach and, according to Alonso at least, underrated as a player.

“Let’s say Mascherano,” the Chelsea manager replied when asked by Viaplay to name the most underrated player he’s ever played with. “He was a soldier.”

Interestingly, Alonso also recalled his days at Liverpool when asked for who was the funniest teammate he had throughout his career.

“I remember a very funny one is Jermaine Pennant, in Liverpool,” he said. “Really, really funny guy.”

Alonso picks the best player of his career

Inevitably, Alonso was also asked to name the best player he played with during his full career on the pitch, giving a typically diplomatic answer which included Liverpool’s Gerrard.

“Lots to choose, lots to choose, lots to choose…” the Spaniard smiled. “I always choose my midfield partners.”

“So, in Liverpool I really enjoyed playing with Stevie G. In Madrid I played with Luka Modric. In Bayern I really enjoyed playing with Philipp Lahm. In Real Sociedad I played with [Mikel] Aranburu and with the national team with Xavi and Iniesta, they were top players.”

Obviously, it is difficult when you’re picking between some of the greatest midfielders ever to play the game, but we’re taking the fact that he mentioned Gerrard first as proof that the Scouser sits right at the top of Xabi’s list.