“Alonso loss is crucial,” says Reina

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says the sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid this summer could seriously efffect the Reds’ chances of Premier League glory this season.

Alonso ended months of speculation last week by completing a £30million move to the Bernabeu.

“It is very difficult to find a player like Xabi,” said the 26-year-old Spanish international. ‘œHe is like a fabulous orchestra conductor on the pitch.

“Of the central midfielders in the world it is very difficult to find one as complete as Alonso.

“He can do everything. He can play short passes, long passes, he heads it well and is tactically very astute.”

Reina believes with other big clubs losing big players this summer as well, such as Ronaldo leaving Manchester Utd and Arsenal selling Emmanuel Adebayor, there may be more teams in the title race this time round.

“This year almost all the big sides have lost an important player,’ Reina continued.

“I believe Everton, Aston Villa or Manchester City could really make it exciting this year.”