Brotherly love

Xabi and Mikel Alonso spoke to Revista de la Liga about life in the Premier League and the class of Lionel Messi.

Xabi is in his fourth season with Liverpool following his £10.5million move from Real Sociedad and he told Revista about his love of English football from an early age.

"I remember that we used to watch the Premier League on a Saturday afternoon in Spain," said Xabi.

"We used to love the game because of the pace, the stadiums and the crowd - it was really attractive."

And Xabi, the younger of the two Alonso brothers is still thankful for the warm welcome he received when moving to Merseyside from the Basque country.

"I was coming to a new country - a new city - and I had heard about the history of the club, and of the city. I had a really, really warm welcome from all the staff at the club and I wanted to give something back for all the support I was given."

The move has been a success with Xabi winning the Champions League in his first season and the FA Cup in his second.

Tough beginning

Elder brother Mikel has recently joined Xabi in the Premier League and is plying his trade further north from Merseyside at Bolton.

Mikel, like Xabi, moved to England from Sociedad but on a season-long loan and despite Wanderers tough start to the season Mikel is hopeful that they can improve.

"Of course (Sammy Lee) tries to help me and all the fans because he is new and of course he is trying to introduce his ideas and do his best for Bolton.

"The start for us hasn't been very good, but the season is very long and I think we're going to improve. "

Back home

Both brothers still watch La Liga action and have been impressed with Barcelona over recent weeks, particularly their Argentine number 30.

"We have seen the unbelievable start that Lionel Messi has had to the season," said Mikel.

"He changes a game in just a few seconds and is so confident at the moment.

And their embarrassment of riches in attack? "It's a problem but I'm pretty sure that lots of manager's would love to have that problem," said Xabi.

"I don't know if they will be able to play four strikers and two midfielders - that's a big challenge to play in that way!"