"It was a huge blow" - Dirk Kuyt on the departure of Liverpool midfielder

Former Liverpool utility Dirk Kuyt believes that Xabi Alonso's departure from Anfield "was a huge blow" for the club.

Liverpool signed the Spaniard from Real Sociedad for a transfer fee of £10.7 million back in the summer of 2004.

Alonso proved to be a very good player for the Reds. Footage of the 40-year-old highlights that he could score, create and run games.

Alonso also won three major trophies with Liverpool.

The midfielder departed Anfield and signed with Real Madrid for a transfer fee of £30 million back in the summer of 2009.

Kuyt believes that the departure of his former teammate had a big impact on the club.

As quoted Anfield Watch's Twitter account, the Dutchman recently told the club's official website the following: "He was a great player. He wasn't the quickest – just like me! His passing and his mind was so good. I still remember his shots from the halfway line when he spotted the goalkeeper off his line a bit too much. "It was a huge blow when he decided to go to Real Madrid. But everyone saw he had a great career after Liverpool, he won silverware with Madrid and Bayern Munich. I think he'll become a very good coach in the future, too."

Anfield Watch Verdict

When Alonso departed Liverpool, the club ultimately lost a fine player/servant. There is a reason why the biggest club in the world (Real Madrid) ended up signing the midfielder.

In saying that, we don't hold a grudge against Alonso. The Spaniard's move to the La Liga club was ultimately justified in the end.

Alonso went on to win a number of trophies with Real Madird. The Spaniard retired from professional football back in 2017.