Source: SKY_Sports
Gerrard rues Alonso exit
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Steven Gerrard admits Liverpool miss Xabi Alonso and that he was left devastated when his midfield partner joined Real Madrid.[LNB] The pair were instrumental in Liverpool's success last season as Rafa Benitez's side proved credible challengers to Manchester United in the Premier League title race.[LNB]Reds captain Gerrard, who is currently injured and misses Wednesday night's crunch UEFA Champions League clash with Lyon, played some of the best football of his career alongside the Spaniard.[LNB]Alonso moved to Real Madrid in the summer and many have credited his departure as being a significant factor behind Liverpool's dramatic slump in form.[LNB]Gerrard knew it would take Liverpool time to adapt to life without Alonso, who [LNB]in a playmaker role was a vital cog in Benitez's team.[LNB]"Devastated, yeah. Devastated. But there was nothing I could do about it," he told FourFourTwo magazine.[LNB]"Xabi said a long time ago that he wanted another chapter in his career and finally he got it and his team-mates and the coaches couldn't stand in his way. [LNB]"We just have to say thanks and move forward without him.[LNB]"It's always going to be different when you lose one of the best players in the world - and people are finally realising that's what he is, on the back of his form for Real Madrid and the difference in us from last year.[LNB]"We've got other midfielders here doing a good job but it will take a while before Alonso's out of our system because he was such a top player."[LNB]Liverpool recouped around £30million for 27-year-old Alonso, and spent most of that on bringing replacement Alberto Aquilani to Anfield from Roma.[LNB]Aquilani missed the first two months of the season due to injury and Liverpool have already lost seven matches.[LNB]
