10 players we miss watching in El Clasico

#9 Xabi Alonso

Alonso may not have been to everyone’s taste admittedly, but there can be no argument as to what the ex-Liverpool man brought to the table. Where El Clasicos were concerned, this is one player that didn’t hide from the responsibility.

A masterful caress of the ball and a penchant to pick out the most sumptuous of passes, Alonso had it all. The enjoyment of playing against Barcelona was evident whenever he took the field. The thrill of going into battle against the very best was obvious in every move that he made.

It is a shame therefore that he will be remembered as much for the crunching, but necessary, tackles he would dispense without a second thought, as for his brilliance. Every team needs its enforcer and not many can play the role with such aplomb and be a little more multidimensional that just a “bully boy.”

Alonso is one of a handful of players that remain irreplaceable at the Bernabeu.