Creative Midfielders Who Can Finally Replace Xabi Alonso

The photo above should sadden every Liverpool fan.

Xabi Alonso in the arrogant, all-whites of money-grubbers Real Madrid.

Since his departure from Merseyside in 2009, Liverpool has struggled to find the same midfield production the Spaniard provided during his tenure. 

Players such as Christian Poulson, Alberto Aquilani and Charlie Adam have been brought in to try and replace Xabi, but for one reason or another, none of them have worked out.

Here are some potential replacements—three years later.

There is a whole mess of midfielders who could both replace Xabi and improve the Liverpool midfield. Please leave your comments below on who you think would be good fits!

Cheers!

Nuri Sahin, Real Madrid

Nuri Sahin transferred to Real Madrid last summer from Borussia Dortmund for a fee around €10 million for no ascertainable reason. 

He was supposed to be part of the new "Galacticos" era of Real Madrid. Instead, Sahin rode the bench all season long, appearing in only four La Liga games.

Liverpool would provide a new stomping ground for the Turkish international, as he would undoubtedly be an upgrade from Charlie Adam, Jonjo Shelvey or Jay Spearing.

Before his virtual disappearance into the uber-deep Madrid midfield, Sahin displayed an extremely keen eye, creating chances at will from the center of the field. In Liverpool's current state, someone who can effectively pass the ball and pull the strings from midfield would greatly improve Liverpool's attack.

At 23-years-old, Sahin could prove to be a staple in the Reds' midfield for years.

Keisuke Honda, CSKA Moscow

The Japanese playmaker was heavily linked with a move to Merseyside last summer, but a deal failed to materialize.

Honda's abilities were put on display for the entire world during the 2010 World Cup, displaying quick pace through the middle and showing his prowess as a free-kick specialist.

Liverpool could use his pace and football IQ in the middle of an aging midfield, and he could potentially be a replacement for Steven Gerrard down the road.

Younes Belhanda, Montpellier

The young Moroccan has been one of Montpellier's most promising attacking talents this season, scoring 12 goals in 24 games with the Ligue 1 side, including this beauty.

Belhanda exhibits speed, a fantastic knowledge of where he is on the field and a knack for scoring.

Unfortunately, Montpellier has slapped a minimum €30 million price tag on him, which could be a little too pricey.

But hey, that didn't stop Liverpool from throwing that kind of money at Andy Carroll.

Marouane Fellaini, Everton

This one is a little bit of a stretch, since this move would require a hop across Merseyside, and how often has that happened?

With that said, the afro-adorned Fellaini has been nothing short of spectacular for Everton this season, holding down a struggling midfield and stepping up as a goal threat when Tim Cahill proved that his age is catching up with him.

He is physically strong in every asset of his game, despite his lanky frame, and would command the Liverpool midfield alongside Stevie G.

However, this move has almost zero chance of happening, due to Moyes' delight in his performances this season and the fact that, well, the two Merseyside teams aren't the greatest of pals.

Alberto Aquilani, Liverpool

Surprised?

Why Aquaman hasn't been given a chance to feature in the first team at Liverpool is beyond me.

Is someone seriously saying that a man who is good enough to play consistently for AC Milan isn't good enough to start at eighth-placed Liverpool?

He showed, in this past preseason, why Rafa bought him in the first place. He was constantly moving and showed his skill set as well as anyone playing for a club that apparently doesn't want him.

Aquilani was originally brought in to fill the void left by Xabi Alonso. He should be given the chance to do the job he was brought in to do.