Benitez hailed the return of Alonso and also that of Djibril Cisse, playing his first game since October 30th.
"It was great to see Xabi Alonso back on the pitch, as well as Djibril Cisse, they are both fine players and important to us," said Benitez.
"It was important that we had Xabi to call on with Steven Gerrard not being fit, he can pass the ball so well, is very clever and can also tackle hard.
"He has not played since New Year, but I had no worries about his stamina, only for him being able to keep up with the tempo.
"But when he was tired in the second half, he showed how clever a player he is with his positioning and distribution."