Xabier Alonso Olano, commonly known as Xabi Alonso pronounced Shabi born 25 November 1981 is a Spanish footballer who plays for Spanish Football Club Real Madrid and the Spanish national team. He is a central defensive midfielder, often playing as a deep-lying playmaker. Alonso began his career at Real Sociedad, and after a brief loan period at SD Eibar returned to the La Liga club. John Toshack appointed Alonso as his team captain and Alonso succeeded in the role, taking Real Socieded to second place in the 2002–03 season. The Spaniard moved to Liverpool in August 2004 for £10.5 million. He won the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the club. The following season he won both the Community Shield and the FA Cup. He played for Liverpool Football Club from 2004 to 2009. He joined Real Madrid August 2009 for £30 million. Xabi Alonso, younger brother of Mikel Alonso who also started his career at Real Sociedad recommended that Mikel Alonso should come over to the United Kingdom and join Swansea City AFC after being released by Real Sociedad on a Free-Agent. Internationally, Alonso has represented Spain in the Euro 2004, Euro 2008 tournaments and the 2006 World Cup. He made his international debut in April 2003 in a 4–0 victory against Ecuador. He won the Euro 2008 tournament with Spain and the World Cup 2010.