Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has warned his team-mates that they must stop Cesc Fabregas if they are to reach their third Champions League semi-final in four years.
Alonso has played alongside Fabregas for the Spanish national team and is aware of the threat the player possesses with his vision, slick passing and distribution.
The Spaniard is anticipating a gladiatorial battle with his countryman and stated: "Arsenal are special because Cesc plays an important role.
“He is motivated and in form. But we know that if we get a good result at Emirates on Wednesday, there are possibilities in the return leg.”
The new father, who missed Liverpool’s last crucial Champions League clash with Inter at Giuseppe Meazza, wants to repay manager Rafa Benitez.
The player was absent as he attended his first child’s birth while The Reds secured a 1-0 victory over 10-man Inter, courtesy of 28-goal striker Fernando Torres.
Alonso is not surprised by his team-mate's maiden season success and knows he will play an integral part in dethroning Liverpool’s Premier League rivals in the Champions League quarter finals.
