Source: Telegraph
Xabi Alonso departure will cost Liverpool says goalkeeper Pepe Reina
After four seasons at Anfield where the 27 year-old won the European Cup and the FA Cup, the Spain international returned to his homeland after Liverpool finally bowed to Real's demands and sold the influential midfielder.
Alonso finally joined the nine-time European champions for £30 million following one of the summer's longest running transfer sagas.
In what has been a turbulent summer for the top four Premier League teams that has seen many of them lose their best players, Reina believes one of the smaller clubs now have an opportunity to break into the Champions League.
"This year almost all the big sides have lost an important player,” said the 26 year-old.
"I believe Everton, Aston Villa or Manchester City could really make it [the Premier League] exciting this year."
Despite Liverpool’s swift move to replace Alonso with the capture of Alberto Aquilani, a £20m signing from Roma, Reina said Rafael Benitez would miss his compatriot as his side look to end their 20-year wait for a league title.
"It is very difficult to find a player like Xabi.
“He is like a fabulous orchestra conductor on the pitch.
"Of the central midfielders in the world it is very difficult to find one as complete as Alonso.
"He can do everything. He can play short passes, long passes, he heads it well and is tactically very astute."
Liverpool open their Premier League campaign when they play Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
