Liverpool FC Forum

by **Dundalk** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:54 pm

Dont compare me to Alonso

Liverpool new boy Alberto Aquilani insists he does not want to be compared to Xabi Alonso at Anfield.

Aquilani has been brought in from Roma to help fill the void left by Alonso's departure to Real Madrid.

The Italian international, who will miss the start of the season as he recovers from ankle surgery, says he is not a direct replacement for Alonso as he has a different style of play than the Spaniard.

"He was a very important player at this club," said Aquilani as he was unveiled at Anfield.

"But I am not his natural substitute as I do not have the same characteristics as him.

"I have a different style in that I like to move around and not stay in the same place."
Injury
Aquilani is not expected to make his debut for Liverpool until October because of his injury, but the midfielder is confident of making a speedy return as the Reds medical staff have got to the root of the injury.

"At Roma my worries were linked with injury. But when I came to Liverpool, the doctor highlighted exactly the problem I have," added Aquilani.

"We now have a very good picture and I hope it will be solved so that I will not be absent again.

"It is a shame I cannot play straight away but it is important to get better, then play well. I am focusing on that."

There have been fears that Aquilani could struggle to cope with the physical demands of the English game, but the 26-year-old is sure he will adapt to the rigors of the Premier League.

"I cannot wait to be involved as it is a different type of league to the one in Italy and a difficult level to play in. I am very excited about what lies ahead," noted Aquilani.

"This is a very important occasion for me as I am joining a big club with a rich history.

"While this is one of the best leagues in the world, Liverpool have to be one of the main candidates for winning the title."

Praise
Aquilani is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Reds skipper Steven Gerrard who he describes as the best midfielder in the world.

"Even before coming to Liverpool, I thought Steven Gerrard was the strongest midfielder in the world," said Aquilani.

"I will be very proud to play alongside him and hope I can learn from his game.

"I am looking forward to playing in the same team with players of that kind.

"Liverpool have had good players for a number of years and I have always liked their system of play."

by **mistyred** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:54 pm

This is Aquilani talking about the difference between himself and Alonso.

"I have a different style in that I like to move around and not stay in the same place."

I always knew Alonso was lazy and needed to move his A@rse more, Madrid are welcome to him

.

Just Joking by the way.

by **Dundalk** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 5:58 pm

by **HacksawJimDuggin** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:23 pm

Rafa has been on SSN and said that Aquilani would play between Lucas and Gerrard. I think Rafa has Lucas penned in for a starting slot this year

by **JoeTerp** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:10 pm

HacksawJimDuggin wrote:Rafa has been on SSN and said that Aquilani would play between Lucas and Gerrard. I think Rafa has Lucas penned in for a starting slot this year

before he said that, he said that Aquilani would play inbetween Mascherano and Gerrard.

by **Reg** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:03 pm

He's got a big nose like Rushie so lets hope he's good. :laugh:

by **andy_g** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:08 pm

his eyes are too close together. i don't trust him.

by **heimdall** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:14 pm

andy_g wrote:his eyes are too close together. i don't trust him.

He is a weird looking fellow, hmm does anybdy esle think his stunning girlfriend is interested in him for more than his natural good looks.

by **aCe'** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:16 pm

Dundalk wrote:

hehehehe

Whats up with the eyes... someone mentioned they were too close to each other, just noticed them... has a funny face

by **andy_g** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:18 pm

by **aCe'** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:19 pm

by **bigmick** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:21 pm

Dundalk wrote:The Italian international, who will miss the start of the season as he recovers from ankle surgery, says he is not a direct replacement for Alonso as he has a different style of play than the Spaniard.

"But I am not his natural substitute as I do not have the same characteristics as him.

"I have a different style in that I like to move around and not stay in the same place."

Often referred to on here as playing "in the pocket" Alberto. No doubt one of the reasons you don't do that is because the opposition centre forward would close you down, and as the areas you pick the football up in become more predictable, you then by definition become easier to nullify.

All you need to do now son is come out and say that rotation is b0ll0cks and we'll get on just fine mate :;):

.

by **metalhead** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:11 pm

Why did we buy a cross eyed italian?! :Oo:

Good luck lad, I hope you rock! :buttrock

by **aCe'** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:14 pm

Rafa' is confident that Aquilani will be a success, although he'd like another attacker, and is wary of certain Premier League upstarts...
13 Aug 2009 15:10:00

Liverpool have signed Alberto Aquilani from Roma in the wake of Xabi Alonso's move to Real Madrid, and Reds gaffer Rafael Benitez is only too keen to hype the Italian midfielder.

"For the final pass, Aquilani has more accuracy than Xabi," Benitez told a press conference.

"We tried very hard to keep Xabi, but he made it clear he wanted to go and we have to defend Liverpool. We are professionals. He had a fantastic year, but he wanted to go."

However, many keen followers of the Anfield giants are worried about Aquilani's fitness - something which doesn't overly concern ‘Rafa’.

"We know he had some problems with his ankle, but the doctors analysed him and I am 100 per cent sure he will do well here," he said.

Looking over his shoulder at this season's potential breakthrough side - free-spending Manchester City - Benitez believes that the money Liverpool have spent is justified, and that more needs to go on another attacking option as soon as possible.

"Man City are spending money; we had to bring in quality, and [Glen] Johnson is a good player," he said of 'Pool's new right-back.

"We will now look for someone to help [Fernando] Torres and [Steven] Gerrard.

"The idea of winning the Premier League every year is hard. City are doing really well because they are signing players with Premier League quality, so they will be a threat to us and Manchester United."

Looking forward to his side's first league game against Tottenham Hotspur, the boss hopes that his injury doubts recover in time, and is aware that former Reds, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane, will be keen to haunt him.

"Gerrard is OK and Martin Skrtel is working hard. We have to be ready for the first game,” he said.

"Crouch and Keane are good players and good luck to them... but not when they play against us!

"Tottenham are a good team and Harry [Redknapp, Spurs boss] has done a good job. They, Aston Villa and City will be tough this season. We want to win things, but we have to start with Tottenham and three points."

by **metalhead** » Thu Aug 13, 2009 10:16 pm

a striker or attacking midfielder on the way then?

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