Pool debutant Alonso in awe of Anfield midfield partner Gerrard

SPANISH star Xabi Alonso, who makes his Liverpool debut at Bolton in the Premiership, admits he is in awe of skipper Steven Gerrard.

The midfield duo are likely to be Rafael Benitez’s creative pair as his Anfield transformation gathers pace.

Benitez has had to wait to field his £11m signing because of registration problems, but now he has the chance to show fans just why Alonso is rated so highly in Spain.

Another debuting player, midfielder Luis Garcia, plus full-back Josemi, will also be on show, but it is Alonso that Benitez sees as the heart of his new Liverpool.

Alonso has fitted in already. A proud, English-speaking Basque, he has charm and confidence to go with the skills that have so far won him 11 caps. But even Alonso has been hugely impressed with Gerrard.

“Steven’s level is very high, he is a fine footballer. I have seen two matches and he has everything. He has a fine long pass, and a good short game and he gets into positions to shoot from all angles. I would be proud to play alongside him,” he said.

“We can become a partnership, we both have things that are similar but also some differences in style which will make us a good pairing.

“I can attack and defend, but I can achieve a balance to learn to blend with a team-mate like Steven, I have been very impressed with his performances. He is a strong, competitive player and also an inspiration to those around him.”

Alonso was in Spain’s Euro 2004 squad, but was given only one full game against Portugal plus half an hour as substitute against Russia.

But under new national boss Luis Aragones he has been told he will now get his chance to establish himself.

He also knows how to win the Liverpool fans over, speaking well of former Anfield idols John Toshack and John Aldridge who both had major impacts on Real Sociedad in his home city of San Sebastian.

“I expect Liverpool to be challenging with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United for the championship. I know they are three very good teams, but so are we,” he said.

Goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is unlikely to be fit to be on the bench and Jamie Carragher is likely to switch to centre-back in place of Stephane Henchoz with Josemi in at full-back.