Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez insists Xabi Alonso remains an
indispensable part of a squad which he believes is within touching
distance of greatness.
Xabi Alonso: Has been linked with move away from Liverpool
The Reds boss has named the Spain midfielder alongside the likes of
Steven Gerrard, Jose Reina and Fernando Torres as one of the key
components of his future plans.
The Reds chief insists that with the addition of some fresh talent,
they can overhaul Manchester United at the top.
And despite repeated speculation linking Alonso with big spenders
Real Madrid, Benitez insists his compatriot will not be allowed to
leave Anfield.
"We are working very hard to keep the spine of the team - that was
always the idea," Benitez told LFC Magazine.
"We have Pepe Reina as the number one goalkeeper with Diego
Cavalieri behind him, another good goalkeeper. Then we have
(Martin) Skrtel, (Jamie) Carragher and (Daniel) Agger - three good
centre-backs.
"Then you go to the midfield with Alonso, (Javier) Mascherano,
Lucas and Gerrard, with Torres up front and (David) Ngog, who is a
very good prospect. We have a good squad that is still young, so
hopefully we can improve further.
"We know we still need to improve in some specific areas. We will
be working very hard to do that over the summer."
Liverpool's long-term planning has been hampered by question marks
over the financial straits of owners Tom Hicks and George
Gillett.
With the American duo and, therefore, the club struggling to cope
with crippling interest payments on their massive debt, it has been
suggested that any lofty ambitions might have to be shelved.