Xabi Alonso

Birth Date: 25 November 1981
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Birth Nation: Spain
Height:
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Nationality: Spanish
Position: Midfielder

This exciting young midfielder has been linked with a ?10 million down payment by Real Madrid for first option on him in the event of Sociedad selling him. His father, Periko, was a Barcelona and Spain stalwart, and his brother Mikel also plays for Sociedad, obviously a talented family!

He got off to a bad start for Sociedad when he was fined by Javier Clemente after arriving late on the afternoon of his debut, against Logrones, in the Copa Del Ray in 1999. He was sent out on loan to local side Eibar after that.

One of John Toshack's first acts when he took over from Clemente was to recall the youngster, in January 2001. Toshack said he had unearthed a massive talent.

Spanish sports paper el Mundo reported "Xabi is Sociedad's brain and a bit more. A footballer from whom much is expected in what will be a difficult season" this was in the build-up to the 2002-03 season (where Sociedad went on to finish 2nd!). He made his international debut in a 5-0 demolition of Ecuador in April 2003.

Xabi Alonso