Xabi Alonso selects his Champions League dream team and there’s room for a Liverpool legend

And that Liverpool legend isn't even himself.

There was no room for Xabi Alonso in the Xabi Alonso Champions League XI and we're probably more disappointed than anyone considering how much we love the man. There was space however for someone else who guided the team to 2005 glory in Istanbul and, before you ask, it's not Djimi Traore either. Alonso, who paid special homage to Steven Gerrard upon the announcement of his retirement from Liverpool at the end of the season, selected his former captain in his all-time Champions League dream team and it's fair to say he has picked a pretty good side. The Spaniard has had a better view than most having won the tournament twice and represented the 'Pool, Real and Bayern with absolute distinction in the competition. He included both Scholes and Gerrard from the Premier League commenting that you would not believe how well respected Scholes is in Spain. On Gerrard, he had this to say: "He is a great friend and has been a big influence on my life. As a player it is about so much more than his obvious ability. It’s his behaviour, his leadership the values that he stands for and what he represents as a captain." But, whilst his attacking six is difficult to argue with, we will raise an eyebrow at the exclusion of Roy Keane. Of course we will. He has seemingly picked a surplus of central players though, meaning there was no room for the like of Arjen Robben who he plays with now. Here's his otherwise fine selection.