[lfc-news] Alonso: 'Gerrard the best in the world' - Echo

Liverpool Echo, 19 July 2005
'Gerrard the best in the world'
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

LIVERPOOL midfielder Xabi Alonso today hailed Steven Gerrard as the best
player in the world, as he revelled in the prospect of forming the
Premiership's top midfield partnership with him next season.

The classy Spaniard said Liverpool conducted the best piece of business
in the transfer market when Gerrard decided to stay a fortnight ago and
penned a new four year deal at Anfield.

Skipper Gerrard has been in scintillating pre-season form, scoring a
hat-trick against TNS at Anfield last week and leading the 3-0
demolition of Bayer Leverkusen in a friendly at the weekend.

Alonso, voted Liverpool's Young Player of the Season, said ahead of
tonight's return Champions League return qualifier in Wrexham against
TNS: "It feels like we have signed the best player available on the
transfer market this summer.

Steven Gerrard is congratulated by team-mates after his goals against TNS

"I now believe that Liverpool's prospects are even better this season,
especially when it comes to the Premiership.

"Steven Gerrard's quality and football vision are very important for
this Liverpool team.

"It is especially pleasing to have him here as we try to defend our
Champions League title and win the Premiership.

"He is so important to our chances of achieving those aims and the fact
that he's staying has also boosted team morale at the perfect time ahead
of the new season.

"My own partnership with Stevie will improve this year. We already have
a good rapport, and proved last year that we can play well together.

"I don't know if we're already the best central midfield partnership in
the Premiership, but we want to be this season."

Added Alonso: "The new players Rafa Benitez has signed are all very
good, which is another reason for my confidence.

"We now have a balanced squad with a lot of quality in depth and those
alternatives will help us win more titles. I don't think we should
prioritise between the Premiership and Europe this year as both
competitions are important.

"It will be very hard to win either of them, but I trust in our team
greatly and in the technical staff who guide us.

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