Futbol Chronicles: Xabi Alonso Deserves to Play for Real Madrid

Chances are, if you were in Rafael Benitez's hands, you would do everything in your power to make sure that Xabi Alonso does not go to Madrid.

You would go as far as to slap a ridiculous price tag on the player, demand that the player show his loyalty to the club, and warn off any outside suitors who may want to inquire about Alonso's services.

You'd then go after Garreth Barry for signing for Manchester City, when in your own heart you realize that you may have entered in a losing battle when it came to competing against Manchester City for Barry's signature in the first place.

You feel so frustrated because of the uncertainty that has dragged on at the club for the last twelve months, due to the owners' financial burdens, and the inability to sign new talent.

You had to deal with endless episodes of rumors and speculations on a possible selling of your most expensive assets, including star forward Fernando Torres.

At one point, you were even going as far as to question the owners themselves, even threatening to quit as manager of the club you built your reputation on because you felt you were taken for a ride.

You went as far as coming to the tipping point when Steven Gerrard was suddenly questioning the direction for the club; and when he showed increasing hesitation on the newly improved extension you presented to him.

Now your're faced with another major battle: keeping two of your best midfielders in a red shirt for the foreseeable future.

Let me tell you why Alonzo is better off playing in Madrid: you would do yourself and Alonzo's representatives a huge favor if you let him go.. now.

Alonzo would also return to his birth country, and his talent would greatly fit into what Real Madrid are currently trying to build.

Plus, Madrid are making it clear that they'll be investing in home-grown talent, and evidence of that notion is supported by the likes of players such as Sergio Ramos, Iker Casillas, Michael Salgaldo, Raul Gonzalez, and the recently signed defender Raul Albiol.

You know that at some point you have to consider that the balance of power may still go into your way, but of course you'd still have to come up with the trophy to prove it.

Plus, the balance of power of the Premiership is now shifting its weight to the Spanish Primiera, thanks in large part to the signings of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Kaka from France, England, and Italy respectively.

All three players were regardless as the best performers in their leagues; Benzema being the leading scorer in France, Kaka considered the best foreign player to play in the Serie A, and Ronaldo as usual dazzling the fans and providing a spectacle day in and day out at Old Trafford.

You have to realize the odds, recognize that the situation at hands requires you to be delicate in your approach, to learn to be humble of the fact that even if Alonzo wants to go, that at least he was loyal enough to give your five or six years to the club, something that in today's football world is a rarity.

However, at the end of the day, it is up to you Rafa.

Only you can make the final decision, only you can decide Alonzo's current fate. Only you can decide what Liverpool will look like, but more importantly, what Liverpool will actually play for.

Good Luck Rafa.