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Xabi Alonso is one of the pillars of both the Real Madrid and Spanish midfield, not to mention one of the key figures in the success of both sides, often dictating the pace of the game, bringing a sense of calm and rallying the troops. The Basque midfielder can also be a match-winner, just as he was in Spain’s EURO 2012 quarter-final clash with France when he scored twice on the very day he won his 100th cap. Always composed in his defensive work, he is also known for the quality of his searching passes, the accuracy of his free-kicks and his all-round intelligent play.