Xabi Alonso says Liverpool icon who he never played with had big impact on career

Xabi Alonso was one of the greatest midfielders of his generation. A calm, all-seeing metronome, the Spaniard had the ability to keep things ticking over the center, while also exhibiting a passing range few in world soccer could rival.

His medal collection backs that up. A World Cup winner, two European Championships, a two-time Champions League winner, and four domestic league titles are among his most impressive awards. The list goes on, and to earn 114 international caps in an era when Spain possessed an abundance of midfield talent says it all.

But things could have been different for Alonso were it not for the intervention of a former Liverpool man, when the would-be world champion was still a teenager. John Toshack enjoyed a rich and varied career as a player and manager, and was part of Bill Shankly’s first great Liverpool sides of the 1970s.

As a coach, Toshack’s CV is remarkable. He first coached Swansea City at 29, managed Wales for six years, and oversaw two spells at Real Madrid.

The 76-year-old also managed in Portugal, France, Italy, North Macedonia, Azerbaijan and Morocco.

During one of his three spells at Real Sociedad, Toshack uncovered a world-beater.

With the Basque club bottom of the table at the turn of the 2000/01 season, Toshack decided to recall Alonso from loan. In an incredible turn of events, the Welshman opted to make Alonso captain and Sociedad went on to avoid relegation, finishing 14th.

To this day, Alonso still credits Toshack with kick-starting his career. “I would not have had the success I have had if it was not for John Toshack,” he told the Daily Mail in 2012.

“I was on loan in the Spanish second division when he called me back to play for Real Sociedad and the team were not in a good situation.

“I was 19, but he said: 'I have the confidence in you that you can help turn this season around’. Since he put that confidence in me I have never looked back."

Whether any of Toshack’s teachings have been applied to his coaching is unclear, but Alonso has brought his success from his playing days into the world of management.

He oversaw an incredible title-winning campaign for Bayer Leverkusen in 2023/24, when the club won its first-ever Bundesliga crown and went unbeaten throughout the season.

Leverkusen also won the DFB-Pokal and finished as runners-up in the Europa League. Now at Real, Alonso will be back to face Liverpool in the Champions League later this season.

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