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European football offered mixed emotions for Liverpool supporters last week.

On Thursday, there was the signpost of a brighter future with the hard-fought draw at tournament favourites Borussia Dortmund that has put Jurgen Klopp's side in the box seat to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Two days earlier, though, came a very real sense of what might have been.

Taking place at the Camp Nou was the blockbusting all-Spanish Champions League quarter-final between Barcelona and Atletico Madird.

There was former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, giving the visitors the lead before soon being dismissed.

There was former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, avoiding a red card himself before scoring twice to give Barca a slender advantage going into Wednesday's second leg.

And, for television viewers, there was the sight afterwards of Javier Mascherano being interviewed.

Reds fans could be forgiven for sobbing at almost £150million worth of talent plying their trade on the biggest stage elsewhere.

But at least that trio were in action.

Over in Germany, as Bayern Munich squeezed past Benfica 1-0 in the first leg of their tie, Xabi Alonso was left shuffling his feet on the bench.

It has been a regular position for the Spaniard in the Champions League, if not in the Bundesliga where he has been a regular starter.

And with Pep Guardiola departing Bayern, Alonso, despite a year left on his contract, could consider moving on.

So should Liverpool contemplate a move for their former man?

It makes a lot of sense.

Alonso has made no secret of his love of Liverpool, and forged a strong bond with supporters during his five years at the club.

Klopp, as the injury to Jordan Henderson and suspension to Emre Can has underlined, needs reinforcements in central midfield.

The Reds are keen to strengthen their spine.

And if there's one aspect missing from their squad, it's a wise head or two. That knowhow that only comes from experience. For Gary McAllister 2000-01, could it be Xabi Alonso 2016-17?

Now 34, there's no doubt Alonso's best days are behind him. He'd not expect to play in every game.

But his game has never been reliant on great strength or pace, and his distribution has shown no signs of having lost its unerring accuracy.

Klopp wants busy players, yes. But there's always room for someone who can pass. And Alonso could even fit in at centre-back.

After five years with Liverpool, Alonso knows the Premier League, knows the level of expectancy at the Reds, would represent a huge PR coup, and could be snapped up for a relatively low fee.

Plus, above all, he's a winner. He knows what it takes to get a team over the line.

Never go back, they say.

But could Alonso really resist another crack at life at Anfield?

Time for Dan to show he's the man

Not a great few days for Daniel Sturridge.

First, he was scrutinised for a poor miss against Tottenham Hotspur that ultimately cost Liverpool victory.

Then he was ostracised for the manner in which he sloped off the pitch when substituted.

And then he was overlooked in favour of Divock Origi for a starting role in the Europa League tie at Borussia Dortmund.

All a week after Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane jumped ahead of him in the England pecking order.

That Origi netted the priceless away goal in an impressive personal performance in Germany will have further deepened the worry lines on Sturridge's brow.

Roberto Firmino has already emerged as Jurgen Klopp's preferred main striker in certain games.

Now Sturridge is scrapping with Origi for a place. The question is, does he have the fight to battle for his Anfield future?