X is for...

As uefa.com Action's A to Z countdown to the UEFA Champions League final on 25 May continues, it is time for some great Xs.

Spanish midfield playmaker Xabi Alonso returned from a serious injury in April 2005 to play a major role in Liverpool FC's Champions League quarter-final victory against Juventus FC and will take his place in the starting lineup for the final in Istanbul on Wednesday.

The son of Miguel Angel 'Periko' Alonso, who was a star for FC Barcelona and won two league titles with Real Sociedad de Fútbol, Xabi started his career at the San Sebastian along with his brother, Mikel Alonso. He came to prominence as Real were runners-up in the Primera División in 2002/03.

A first season in the Champions League with Real gave him valuable experience before Xabi joined Liverpool for a fee in the region of €15m in August 2004. He was an instant favourite at Anfield under coach Rafael Benítez, and could end the season as a Champions League winner if Liverpool can overcome AC Milan.

A Barcelona stalwart, Xavi Hernández filled the midfield anchorman role left by Josep Guardiola at Camp Nou and is an integral squad member for Spain. A product of the Barcelona academy, Xavi's debut in the first team came in 1998/99.

Barcelona went on to win the league that season, with Xavi making 17 appearances and scoring a vital goal against Real Valladolid. He was soon a regular, and in 2001/02 played 14 times in their run to the Champions League semi-finals, also playing a part as they reached the last eight the following season.

This season has been a great one for Xavi even though Barcelona failed to progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League after losing against Chelsea FC. The Primera División title, however, more than made up for that disappointment.