Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has heaped praise on midfielder Xabi Alonso, comparing his ability to that of Italy international Andrea Pirlo.
Alonso ended months of speculation about his future at Real by signing a new two-year contract extension on Wednesday.
Following his decision to sign a new deal at the club, Ancelotti praised Alonso, insisting that he is an important part of his side, as well as comparing him to Juventus veteran Pirlo.
"He's important to us for his quality, experience and how he plays," Ancelotti told reporters.
"There's nobody else around at his level. You can compare him with Pirlo, but Andrea is 35 years old.
"Xabi is younger and everybody at Real loves him. He's a great signing, but I don't like a team depending on one player – not Xabi, nor anybody."
Alonso moved to the Bernabeu in 2009 from Liverpool.
