Carlo Ancelotti has mused on Xabi Alonso’s value to Real Madrid and ruled out the possibility of a swap for Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo.
Both deep-lying midfield playmakers have been linked with exits from their current respective clubs next summer, as both see their current contracts up for renewal.
Speculation has linked both Juve with Alonso and Madrid with Pirlo, but Ancelotti does not see this happening, as he focused this week on the Spaniard’s worth to Los Blancos.
“Xabi is an indispensable player for Real Madrid,” the Italian tactician told Sportmediaset this week.
“He has suffered a misfortune [with the injuries] but has now recovered and for us is a fundamental piece.
“There are no players like him, I only consider him alongside Andrea Pirlo at his height.
“Could the two players swap clubs? That possibility does not exist.
“I speak often with Pirlo, I’m glad the Santiago Bernabeu applauded him [during the Champions League group stage match], that night he got more than the entire Madrid team combined.”
Debate is continuing over the favourites for the 2013 FIFA Ballon d’Or.
“My view is that Cristiano is right now the strongest player of them all. He is an incredibly complete player, he takes care of all the details and is super professional.”
Ancelotti was asked of Ricky Kaka’s positive impact upon his return to Milan in the summer after an indifferent spell with Madrid.
“I am not surprised that he is doing well. I let him go because he sought continuity and Madrid did not have that space. Kaka is not the same as when he was 20, but he is still a major player.”
