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Defensive Midfielder: Javier Mascherano
Such was the impact of Mascherano that he signed for Liverpool in February on loan from West Ham United, made his first Champions League appearance in the quarterfinal, and still put up a wonderful display in the final leading to Liverpool fans voting him man of the match on the club's official website.
He was known for his tough-marking and hard-tackling style in midfield, shielding the defense and allowing the creative players the freedom to express themselves. His leadership qualities and ability to read the game justify his inclusion in our XI. It is this tactical intelligence that allowed him to excel as a center-back at Barcelona after departing Anfield.
Central Midfielder: Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso is quite simply one of the best passers of the ball to ever play the beautiful game. Alonso's ability to pick a pass, short or long, was a thing of beauty and that itself is enough for him to make this team.
He was, however, much more than just a passer. The Spaniard was also a wonderful reader of the game, an aggressive tackler and was an effective dead ball specialist. He also had a penchant for the spectacular goal from distance. The thought of Alonso supplying those long passes from his deep-lying position to Liverpool's current forward line is the stuff of dreams.
Central Midfielder: Steven Gerrard
Arguably Liverpool's greatest ever player, Gerrard not only takes his place in our three-man midfield but also takes up the captain's armband. He was still at his peak during this run to the UEFA Champions League final and was named in the FIFA World XI and the UEFA Team of the Year in 2007.
Stevie G could do everything: he could tackle, pass, head the ball, take penalties and free-kicks and score especially from long range. He was in the habit of delivering when the team needed him the most. He was a leader on the pitch and his determination and influence on the field made those around him better. A true legend.
