ALONSO IDENTIFIES BARCA THREAT

Jimmy Rice 12 February 2007 Xabi Alonso has pinpointed international partner Xavi as the man Liverpool need to stop if they have any chance of beating Barcelona in the Champions League.

Alonso watched in admiration as the Barca playmaker excelled in Spain's 1-0 win over England last week. And the midfielder admitted Xavi is the one player from his homeland he would love to see at Anfield. "He would be a good addition to any club," said Alonso. "I always like playing alongside him, because he makes everything look so easy. Even when you're not playing, it's a pleasure to watch him on the pitch, even if it's just a training match. "He is what I would call a mature, natural-born football player. He's the best opponent I've ever faced."