And according to former Barcelona, Arsenal and Chelsea star Fabregas, Alonso is struggling because he has a Real dressing room full of stars.
In quotes picked up by the Spanish publication MarkThe 38-year-old – who played alongside Alonso in Spain’s 2010 World Cup triumph as well as back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012 – said in a documentary looking at Alonso’s career: “They are all very good (Real players). They all deserve to play. They all think they have to play. They all have to make a difference. They are all worth 50 million euros. They all play for their national teams. Overcoming this has to be the most difficult thing of all.”
Agreeing with Fabregas, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina said in the same documentary: “It’s not easy, especially in a dressing room like this. But Xabi has no problem looking at you and telling you something like it is.”
Meanwhile, former Real head coach Rafa Benitez – who managed Alonso when he played for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 – added: “I believe Xabi Alonso has the ability to manage a dressing room, there’s no doubt about it.”
