A successful transition to life in the Premier League is an accomplishment that has eluded some of the continent’s most distinguished footballers. The high-profile examples of Andriy Shevchenko and Juan Sebastián Verón illustrate how hard adapting to English football can be. Aquilani’s initial introduction to the Premier League was made even harder by several aggravating factors.
The midfielder arrived at Anfield carrying an injury, and may have forced his recovery in order to hasten his return to first-team action. Aquilani’s return from injury also coincided with a dismal run for the Reds, which included an ignominious early Champions League exit. Most tellingly, many erroneously saw Aquilani as a direct replacement for the much-loved and much-missed Xabi Alonso, despite earlier suggestions by then manager Rafa Benitez that the two were very different players. Speaking after the Italian’s arrival, Benitez said:
“Alberto is a player who has quality, game intelligence and can pass the ball quickly. He can play more offensive than Alonso did in the final third, and he has more accuracy in his final pass.”
After enjoying a sustained run in the team towards the end of 2009/10, Aquilani actually ended the season with the best assists per minute rate of any player plying their trade in Europe’s top five leagues, vindicating Benitez’s earlier assertion.
Since replacing Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish has emphatically demonstrated his mastery of man-management and motivation. Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel were two notable beneficiaries of the Scot’s return, whilst youngsters John Flanagan and Jay Spearing can also attribute their first-team ascensions and subsequent success to the faith of Dalglish. Should he stay, Alberto Aquilani could be the next player to reap the rewards of a little bit of King Kenny confidence.
The article was written by Zarif Rasul for FootballFancast.com. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
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I 100% agree. I could never understand how people wrote him off.
Looking around at the polls, most Reds fans would be happy to have Alberto as part of our team. To provide so many assists in the top league, coming down the home stretch, It was amazing to watch.
Lest we forget, he has a few starts for the Italian national side – not an easy gig!
I can already see Alberto linking up with Carrol, Suarez, gerrard, Dirk and others. Hopefully Kenny has this vision too!
Totally agree! It’s abundantly clear Aqua has heaps of ability! He just was judged too soon when he first came (because he was injured) and Roy Hodgson didn’t even give him a look!
I’m hoping he gets a good go this coming season! He’s going to show all doubters the reason why he’s an Italian international!
GENUINE PLAYER .WILL SEE HIM AT ANFIELD AND THE MOST INTELLIGENT PLAYERS WE HAVE .
If Liverpool sell Aquilani this club doesn’t deserve to win anything.
Who do you think you are dumbass!!!
no player is bigger than the club especially if that club is LIVERPOOL
He will do a lot better than some of the British midfielders that Kenny has recently signed.
if kenny sell him, i’ll not watch a single match of liverpool come next season.
It’s nice to see some of our fans still recognise talent.
Aquilani is the most intelligent player we have, and our team should be built around him. His short passing, long passing and his tactical understanding and great game intelligence is what sets him apart. He’s come through a season away on loan unscathed and we now need to use him. Especially with the more technically gifted players we have now.
If everyone is available my team would be
Gk Reina
Rb Johnson
Cd Skyrtl
Cd Agger
Lb New left back
Dm Lucas
Dm/Am Aquilani
R am Suarez
C am Gerrard
L am Donwing
St Kuyt
The other players including Carroll need to earn their places.