It is no secret that Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso think a lot of each other.

Alonso arrived at Liverpool in 2004 to play alongside Gerrard, and along with Javier Mascherano, the trio would go on to form arguably the greatest midfield partnership that the club has had in the Premier League era.

But, Alonso's time in England came to an end in 2009, mostly due to Rafa Benitez wanting to replace him with Gareth Barry.

And in an emotional tribute before Alonso's last professional game last year, Gerrard revealed that the Spaniard's departure from Anfield left him heartbroken.

"As I said, I couldn’t ask for a better midfield partner and when you left, it broke my heart," the Englishman said. "You’ll always have a special place at this football club and you’re always welcome to come and visit."

THE TWO WILL REUNITE THEIR PARTNERSHIP THIS SATURDAY

But, nine years after Alonso's departure from Anfield, Liverpool fans will be given the opportunity to see the two line-up alongside each other in midfield once again.

The duo are both taking part for Liverpool legends against Bayern legends on Saturday, and it's fair to say Steven Gerrard is excited by the prospect.

In fact, Gerrard, who retired from professional football in 2016, is 'very much' looking forward to the fixture, solely because it means he will get to play alongside his former teammate again.

"Xabi is a world-class player and also a top-class human being," Gerrard told Liverpoolfc.com. "I miss being around Xabi on a daily basis, I used to love working and playing alongside him.

"I saw him not so long ago and he was in good form and good spirits, he’s staying nice and fit for the game. To play alongside him in a big fixture at Anfield, hopefully in front of a full house, will be rolling back the years and something I’m looking forward to very much.

"He could be the best [midfielder I played with] but that would be disrespectful to all of the other world-class players I played with: Dietmar Hamann, Gary McAllister, Danny Murphy, Javier Mascherano, tons of world-class players.

"Xabi was certainly up there but not just with the players I played with, he is up there with the world’s best."

A HOST OF LEGENDS WILL TAKE PART

As well as Gerrard and Alonso, a number of former fan favourites will also take part in Saturday's charity match.

Luis Garcia and Daniel Agger will also make their return to Anfield, as will Gary McAllister, Jamie Carragher, Vladimir Smicer, Patrik Berger, Robbie Fowler and Dirk Kuyt.

But, having the pleasure to see Gerrard and Alonso line-up alongside each other in midfield will probably be the thing Liverpool fans are most looking forward to.

And Gerrard certainly thinks that is the case too.