Xabi Alonso signed for Liverpool in 2004 . Since his arrival, he established himself as a Liverpool mainstay.
Combining technical ability with a wide array of passes, Xabi Alonso won over the Liverpool faithful . Alonso was one of the best players during the Benitez regime.
He was also instrumental in Liverpool winning the European Cup and the FA Cup . Considering the success, it came as a shock that Liverpool were planning to cash in on him.
Since his unceremonious departure to Real Madrid ,a massive void was created in the Liverpool midfield. His role has been hard to fill. And, an Alonso-mould midfielder was the necessity at Anfield.
Alberto Aquilani was much touted across Europe for his performances for Roma and the Italian national side. Aquilani, like Alonso is gifted with immense technical ability. He began his career at Roma and after a brief spell at Triestina returned to Roma.
Aquilani can play in various positions. He can play holding midfielder, attacking midfielder or in the hole behind the strikers. Aquilani's versatility makes him an essential squad player.
Aquilani's early potential was recognised by Chelsea and Arsenal who offered him contracts aged 16. But Aquilani chose to stay in his beloved homeland and represent Roma.
He made his Roma debut at the age of 18. Aquilani impressed everyone at the Stadio Olympico and was given the coveted No. 8 jersey. Aquilani quickly adjusted himself in the heart of the Roman midfield.
He formed a formidable partnership with Danielle De Rossi. Aquilani was consistent for both club and country. Marcelo Lippi heralded him one of Italy's finest midfielders.
Rafa Benitez was looking to replace Xabi Alonso with a player of similar stature.
Alberto Aquilani was signed in 2009 for reported fee of £17million. The signing was criticized because Aquilani had suffered a thigh injury and was ineligible to play for Liverpool until fully fit.
Alberto Aquilani made his much-anticipated debut almost a year later after constantly battling injuries. His start was indifferent failing to mould into the Liverpool setup.
The constant change of management also did not help his cause. Aquilani was trying too hard to impress the Anfield faithful, failing to capitalise on his major strengths that are long-range shooting and long-range passing.
Aquilani was constantly playing too close to the strikers and making dashing runs into the box with no joy.
Towards the end of the season, he did find his feet and put in decent performances but the jury was still out on his form and fitness.
A return to Juventus was on the cards. At Juventus, Aquilani finally justified his high-potential. Along with scoring 2 goals, Aquilani was their main playmaker and impressed everyone at the Delle Alpi .
Juventus failed to meet Liverpool's requirements for him and so he returned to Anfield.
Alberto Aquilani was Liverpool best player in pre-season raising more than a few eyebrows in Merseyside.
However, Liverpool still remain unconvinced of his true value to the club.
Kenny Dalglish has indirectly stated that Aquilani does not feature in his Liverpool plans.
AC Milan have shown a genuine interest in the midfielder to replace their talisman Andrea Pirlo. If reports are to be believed then they seem destined to sign him this week.
Good riddance for a player who has failed to live up to expectations but deserves another platform to showcase his undoubted talent.
Written by Mayank Adhye, who blogs at The Musical Escapade and also a Reds supporter.
The Uruguay striker marked a lively hour-long display by firing the Reds into the lead on 23 minutes with a well-taken volley following good work from Maxi Rodriguez and Jordan Henderson.
Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owner, has met the Uruguay champions' current valuation of their 6ft 6in centre-half as they look to provide the manager, Kenny Dalglish, with his sixth summer signing.
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