#1 Xabi Alonso\n\n The personification of class, quality, and charisma: Xabi Alonso is the most successful player to have played for both Real Madrid and Liverpool. Alonso first grabbed headlines during his four-year stint with La Liga outfit Real Sociedad (2000-2004).

Andrew Longmore of The Independent on McManaman's arrival in Madrid. On 1 July 1999, after making 364 appearances and scoring 66 goals for Liverpool, McManaman transferred to La Liga club Real Madrid as Guus Hiddink's last signing for the club.