Xabi Alonso deservedly wins the TIA inaugural player of the month award for October 2005. The Spanish midfield maestro, who was our signing of 2004, was at his passing best, although the month for the team itself was up and down, and up again.

Xabi, scoring the most important goal of his career.

It started with the home defeat to Chelsea where despite a battling performance, Alonso was substituted for Cisse seconds before the fourth Chelsea goal went in. He was at his best in the next game against Blackburn where his free kick set up the winning goal scored by Cisse. In a difficult Champions League away game to Anderlecht he was a rock. He broke up the attacks of the opposition, producing a fine last minute tackle to disspossess Wilhelmsson who tried to clain a penalty. At Fulham, Xabi and Momo dominated the midfield, but they were let down by the weaker performances of some of their team mates.

Xabi’s vision, his time on the ball and ability to score goals were markedly missing as Liverpool crashed out of the Carling cup without him. The last game of October saw a well balanced team beat West ham. Xabi’s long range effort gave Liverpool a half time lead but his tireless work in the engine room helped Liverpool dominate the game and win well.

Alonso finished just ahead of Mr Dependable Jamie Carragher, with Stevie Gerrard some-way behind in third. Other notable nominees were Djibril Cisse, Peter Crouch and Luis Garcia.

The TIA members who voted for Alonso said:

Xabi has been on super dooper form, getting well used to the prem. and is getting good at breaking up the play. Also when we do manage to play sexy football, it’s mostly through his distribution: Alonso++; (RedinAfrica)

Alonso would be a close second because of his sheer work rate in midfield, passing and his tackling, which have improved…
(Kenny7_2005)

carra has been as reliable as ever but i think Alonso just about gets it. ( Digger)

Xabi has been different gravy these last few weeks and scored some crucial goals. What a signing this lad was!! Long may it continue! ( LLTallJay)

I voted for Alonso because we have started to see some more of the outstanding performances that we became used to last year. His goals have also been a huge plus. (Ulster Red)