CM) Xabi Alonso
In 2008 then Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez seemed to think that Gareth Barry was better than Xabi Alonso. No one knows why, but the important thing is that it meant the Spaniard was on the market. The Gunners were interested, but apparently weren’t willing to pay £18 million for the now World Cup winner. So Alonso didn’t leave and Barry didn’t arrive in Anfield, and the midfielder inspired Liverpool to a second place finish in the Premier League before moving to Real Madrid for £30 million.