Liverpool FC Forum

by **lakes10** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:07 pm

i think Rafa only got as Riise said he was good on the ball......or it might be that he knows Rome like the back of his had Rafa might take a holiday there, bit hard t work out going by what Riise said about him lol

"When I first came to Roma, I didn't know a thing about Aquilani," said Riise, who swapped Merseyside for Rome last summer.

"I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do.

"He's really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional.

"He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he's always on the run.

"He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals.

"When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He's a good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player."

Aquilani will become just the second Italy international to sign for Liverpool after agreeing personal terms to complete the move from Serie A.

Riise added: "There is an obvious difference between the Italian and English leagues.

"Here it is more tactical whereas in England you're playing 90 minutes up and down, up and down, and there is more emphasis on power and physical force. But Cristiano Ronaldo isn't all about physique and he has been the best player in the Premier League in recent seasons.

"Everyone can adapt. It just takes time. The key is how long it takes. I was lucky - I fitted in quite quickly when I came from Monaco. Alberto is someone who wants to make the most of his talent and wants to prove himself, so if Liverpool come in for you it is very hard to say no."

Meanwhile, Riise remains a keen follower of his former club and believes 2009-10 could be an historic season for the Kop.

"Last season I was so sure they would do it. They made a fantastic start but drew some games and United got stronger," said the Norway international.

"I really hope they can do it this time. Xabi and Alvaro Arbeloa leaving is a shame, but Glen Johnson is a brilliant signing.

"All the Premier League games are shown on Sky Italia, and I managed to watch every Liverpool game last season. The club is in my heart. I had all my highlights at Liverpool. I still speak with Stevie and Carra, as well as Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt.

"The first months for me at Roma were hard, learning a new language and settling in, but I am happy here and enjoying it. We can have a really good season and I hope Liverpool can, too."

by **JoeTerp** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:13 pm

lakes10 wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI anyway, as soon as we sold Xabi, Lucas's name was written into the team that will face Spurs. It doesn't make sense to worry too much about the first month or so, when he has signed a 5 year deal. Its all about trying to stay injury free for the rest of his contract. No need to rush him back, thats could have been how he got hurt again in the first place.

"he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI "

what? we spend 20mil on a player thats not going to be in the first team, look i know Rafa ois mad but he is not that mad.

So if we had signed fit player X today, you would have started him at SPurs despite having practically zero time with the team? We don't even have a full week of practice FFS because of the internationals in midweek.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:15 pm

JoeTerp wrote:
lakes10 wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI anyway, as soon as we sold Xabi, Lucas's name was written into the team that will face Spurs. It doesn't make sense to worry too much about the first month or so, when he has signed a 5 year deal. Its all about trying to stay injury free for the rest of his contract. No need to rush him back, thats could have been how he got hurt again in the first place.

"he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI "

what? we spend 20mil on a player thats not going to be in the first team, look i know Rafa ois mad but he is not that mad.

So if we had signed fit player X today, you would have started him at SPurs despite having practically zero time with the team? We don't even have a full week of practice FFS because of the internationals in midweek.

We usually do Joe, especially with big money signings. Kuyt for example.....

by **baldricks_cunning_plan** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:16 pm

s@int wrote:Can anyone think of any other players that have been signed that were going to be out for such a long time ? I remember Nunez got injured in his first training session and was out for a while. I can't think of any that have been signed with such a long period of recuperation still to go.

Gonzalez. We signed him and had to wait 12 months to see him play. OK so that was down to the work permit but it's still a while.

by **JoeTerp** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:17 pm

Lucas helped us beat United 4-1 in Old Trafford. If he can win there, he is capable of helping us win anywhere.

Its not like we haven't had spells where Alonso has been hurt before.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:20 pm

baldricks_cunning_plan wrote:
s@int wrote:Can anyone think of any other players that have been signed that were going to be out for such a long time ? I remember Nunez got injured in his first training session and was out for a while. I can't think of any that have been signed with such a long period of recuperation still to go.

Gonzalez. We signed him and had to wait 12 months to see him play. OK so that was down to the work permit but it's still a while.

Good one mate :nod

not quite the same but its something similar anyway.

by **JoeTerp** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:21 pm

s@int wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:
lakes10 wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI anyway, as soon as we sold Xabi, Lucas's name was written into the team that will face Spurs. It doesn't make sense to worry too much about the first month or so, when he has signed a 5 year deal. Its all about trying to stay injury free for the rest of his contract. No need to rush him back, thats could have been how he got hurt again in the first place.

"he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI "

what? we spend 20mil on a player thats not going to be in the first team, look i know Rafa ois mad but he is not that mad.

So if we had signed fit player X today, you would have started him at SPurs despite having practically zero time with the team? We don't even have a full week of practice FFS because of the internationals in midweek.

We usually do Joe, especially with big money signings. Kuyt for example.....

sign Kuyt on August 18 and he didn't start until we played PSV on September 12

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:23 pm

JoeTerp wrote:
s@int wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:
lakes10 wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI anyway, as soon as we sold Xabi, Lucas's name was written into the team that will face Spurs. It doesn't make sense to worry too much about the first month or so, when he has signed a 5 year deal. Its all about trying to stay injury free for the rest of his contract. No need to rush him back, thats could have been how he got hurt again in the first place.

"he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI "

what? we spend 20mil on a player thats not going to be in the first team, look i know Rafa ois mad but he is not that mad.

So if we had signed fit player X today, you would have started him at SPurs despite having practically zero time with the team? We don't even have a full week of practice FFS because of the internationals in midweek.

We usually do Joe, especially with big money signings. Kuyt for example.....

sign Kuyt on August 18 and he didn't start until we played PSV on September 12

But he made his debut against West Ham on the 26th of august Joe

Or maybe you prefer Morientes signed on the 13.01.2005 and made his debut on the 15.01.2005

by **bigmick** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:27 pm

Yes I think we have to give Lucas a go. He's been at the club two seasons now, and we've been suppoosedly grooming him for his chance, well here it is. If it does go pear shaped, then we'll simply have to move Gerrard back. For me though, I'd be all for giving Lucas a go in the first three or four matches barring disaster.

Unless Lucas does get it and improve, it's probably fair to say that unless we sign some more players, our title challenge depends to a large extent on Aquilani being a good signing. If Lucas doesn't get it, we will have to move Gerrard back. If Aquilani comes in and doesn't cut it, Gerrard will have to stay there and I don't think Benayoun/Babel/N'Gog playing off Torres is going to be potent enough often enough for us to win the league.

Aquilani getting fit quickly and settling in quickly is absolutely pivotal I reckon, unless as I say Lucas suddenly steps up to the plate.

On the question of Lucas, as I've said many times I think he will make a footballer but I'm just not convinced it'll be in England. He has ability though I'm certain of it, and he might just surprise a few people.

by **JoeTerp** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:27 pm

s@int wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:
s@int wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:
lakes10 wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI anyway, as soon as we sold Xabi, Lucas's name was written into the team that will face Spurs. It doesn't make sense to worry too much about the first month or so, when he has signed a 5 year deal. Its all about trying to stay injury free for the rest of his contract. No need to rush him back, thats could have been how he got hurt again in the first place.

"he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI "

what? we spend 20mil on a player thats not going to be in the first team, look i know Rafa ois mad but he is not that mad.

So if we had signed fit player X today, you would have started him at SPurs despite having practically zero time with the team? We don't even have a full week of practice FFS because of the internationals in midweek.

We usually do Joe, especially with big money signings. Kuyt for example.....

sign Kuyt on August 18 and he didn't start until we played PSV on September 12

But he made his debut against West Ham on the 26th of august Joe

as a sub.

by **baldricks_cunning_plan** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:33 pm

bigmick wrote:Yes I think we have to give Lucas a go. He's been at the club two seasons now, and we've been suppoosedly grooming him for his chance, well here it is. If it does go pear shaped, then we'll simply have to move Gerrard back. For me though, I'd be all for giving Lucas a go in the first three or four matches barring disaster.

Unless Lucas does get it and improve, it's probably fair to say that unless we sign some more players, our title challenge depends to a large extent on Aquilani being a good signing. If Lucas doesn't get it, we will have to move Gerrard back. If Aquilani comes in and doesn't cut it, Gerrard will have to stay there and I don't think Benayoun/Babel/N'Gog playing off Torres is going to be potent enough often enough for us to win the league.

Aquilani getting fit quickly and settling in quickly is absolutely pivotal I reckon, unless as I say Lucas suddenly steps up to the plate.

On the question of Lucas, as I've said many times I think he will make a footballer but I'm just not convinced it'll be in England. He has ability though I'm certain of it, and he might just surprise a few people.

Lucas improved massively towards the back end of last season and deserves his place in the side on merit. Also Gerrard must continue to partner Torres, none of our other players are good enough to play that position.

Although there's been reports from Brazil linking him with a move back to his homeland. Lucas has apparently spoke to the Chairman of Corinthians, the rag is trying to run the story but it came from Brazil three days earlier to their "exclusive".

As for Aquilani he will be a good player. He's comfortable on either foot and thinks quickly enough to work in England. But if Lucas takes the opportunity presented to him, then the Italian should be waiting a while.

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:36 pm

JoeTerp wrote:
s@int wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:
s@int wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:
lakes10 wrote:
JoeTerp wrote:he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI anyway, as soon as we sold Xabi, Lucas's name was written into the team that will face Spurs. It doesn't make sense to worry too much about the first month or so, when he has signed a 5 year deal. Its all about trying to stay injury free for the rest of his contract. No need to rush him back, thats could have been how he got hurt again in the first place.

"he wasn't likely to jump right into the first XI "

what? we spend 20mil on a player thats not going to be in the first team, look i know Rafa ois mad but he is not that mad.

So if we had signed fit player X today, you would have started him at SPurs despite having practically zero time with the team? We don't even have a full week of practice FFS because of the internationals in midweek.

We usually do Joe, especially with big money signings. Kuyt for example.....

sign Kuyt on August 18 and he didn't start until we played PSV on September 12

But he made his debut against West Ham on the 26th of august Joe

as a sub.

As I said we usually do, Alonso and Garcia signed 20/8/2004 debut 29/8/2004 certainly what Lakes proposed was nothing shocking anyway.

Morientes signed on the 13.01.2005 and made his debut on the 15.01.2005

by **account deleted by request** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:43 pm

bigmick wrote:Yes I think we have to give Lucas a go. He's been at the club two seasons now, and we've been suppoosedly grooming him for his chance, well here it is. If it does go pear shaped, then we'll simply have to move Gerrard back. For me though, I'd be all for giving Lucas a go in the first three or four matches barring disaster.

Unless Lucas does get it and improve, it's probably fair to say that unless we sign some more players, our title challenge depends to a large extent on Aquilani being a good signing. If Lucas doesn't get it, we will have to move Gerrard back. If Aquilani comes in and doesn't cut it, Gerrard will have to stay there and I don't think Benayoun/Babel/N'Gog playing off Torres is going to be potent enough often enough for us to win the league.

Aquilani getting fit quickly and settling in quickly is absolutely pivotal I reckon, unless as I say Lucas suddenly steps up to the plate.

On the question of Lucas, as I've said many times I think he will make a footballer but I'm just not convinced it'll be in England. He has ability though I'm certain of it, and he might just surprise a few people.

Spot on Mick, as I keep reminding people our record in games that Lucas has started is very good, especially when paired with Masch. I think it may be time for him to step up his game though, he needs to stop playing safety first football and trying to create a bit more. We have seen on occasion that he is capable of it, but its been too few and far between up to now.

by **woof woof !** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:52 pm

As for Aquilani he will be a good player. He's comfortable on either foot

Apart from the one thats kept him out since March and will apparently keep him from playing for another 4-8 weeks ?

But if Lucas takes the opportunity presented to him, then the Italian should be waiting a while.

Christ sake :wwww

, I hope not, for twenty million I would hope that we've bought a player who can force himself into the starting lineup no matter how well Lucas plays.

by **baldricks_cunning_plan** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 11:56 pm

s@int wrote:
bigmick wrote:Yes I think we have to give Lucas a go. He's been at the club two seasons now, and we've been suppoosedly grooming him for his chance, well here it is. If it does go pear shaped, then we'll simply have to move Gerrard back. For me though, I'd be all for giving Lucas a go in the first three or four matches barring disaster.

Unless Lucas does get it and improve, it's probably fair to say that unless we sign some more players, our title challenge depends to a large extent on Aquilani being a good signing. If Lucas doesn't get it, we will have to move Gerrard back. If Aquilani comes in and doesn't cut it, Gerrard will have to stay there and I don't think Benayoun/Babel/N'Gog playing off Torres is going to be potent enough often enough for us to win the league.

Aquilani getting fit quickly and settling in quickly is absolutely pivotal I reckon, unless as I say Lucas suddenly steps up to the plate.

On the question of Lucas, as I've said many times I think he will make a footballer but I'm just not convinced it'll be in England. He has ability though I'm certain of it, and he might just surprise a few people.

Spot on Mick, as I keep reminding people our record in games that Lucas has started is very good, especially when paired with Masch. I think it may be time for him to step up his game though, he needs to stop playing safety first football and trying to create a bit more. We have seen on occasion that he is capable of it, but its been too few and far between up to now.

Didi Hamann was Mr Safety for Liverpool and was adored. So safe players are needed.

It's obvious Lucas doesn't have much confidence and who can blame him after the idiots who booed him last year. So it's understandable that he constantly plays safe because any misplaced pass will be jumped on and made out to be the worst pass in history by "fans".

Maybe it's Masch who needs to become the more adventurous in his passing as he will be allowed to make the odd bad pass because he already has the affection of the fans. Then maybe as Lucas' confidence grows we'll see him perform to the level he can.

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