ALONSO STILL A KEY PLAYER

Xabi Alonso has been reassured he remains an integral part of Rafael Benitez’s plans. Alonso was surprisingly dropped to the bench for the Champions League semi-final second leg victory over Chelsea at Anfield.

The 26-year-old, who had previously started all of Liverpool’s key games under Benitez when available, was usurped from central midfield by Javier Mascherano and Steven Gerrard. It sparked fresh rumours of a move away from Anfield, with Barcelona known suitors of the Spain international.

While Alonso eventually played a part in helping Liverpool seal a place in the Athens final against AC Milan by scoring in the penalty shoot-out against Chelsea, a fit Momo Sissoko didn’t even feature among the substitutes.

But Benitez reckons both midfielders accept the competition for places and will play a part for Liverpool next season. “I think Xabi understands. “The players know me. They know I can change one or two players but that doesn't mean I am disappointed with them. I was talking with Sissoko. The last two or three weeks he has had more problems because Mascherano was playing well and Gerrard was in the middle. I said to him it was not a problem because we will play 60 games next season and we need a lot of good players. We have injuries also. All the players must be a little bit disappointed if they don't play, but they need to have respect for their team-mates. Xabi is a good professional and it is not a problem,” said the Liverpool manager.

Both Alonso and Sissoko started last Saturday’s Premiership visit to Fulham, where a much-changed Liverpool were beaten 1-0.