Aquilani

[Fierce]

I am aware that the following is over a week old but I hadn't read this thread before then, and despite taking a phone call and sending an email I'm still smiling and shaking my head at this absolute gem of an Arnism:

Why not give Sterling a chance instead? He is probably even quicker than Lennon and have a better game intelligence.

Gold. Absolute gold

I think this is some of your best ever work Arn, seriously; absolutely splendid stuff mate

[Atherton red]

... Furthermore, if not out on loan, i'd like to see more opps next season for jonjo and making some space in the middle would help facilitate this.

[Lee]

Really hope Aquilani can have another injury-free year next season.

I'd like him to be a starter but goodness knows what formation we'd have to play to accomodate him and our other midfielders.

[cream]

He's a classy player and he'll do well in a team that likes to move the ball on quickly.

[Mostar]

He's a classy player and he'll do well in a team that likes to move the ball on quickly.

Really liked him yesterday. Looked very good to me and I hope he's around once the season starts.

[danperkins]

He's willing to try a long pass and is always looking for the best option rather than the easy option.

IMO it's completely the opposite of that, he's nice footballer with time and a space but from what i've seen from him over recent years most of his stuff is no risk,simple balls.

Whereas we seen Adam in the second half immediately trying long diagonals, through balls,decisive passes etc, that's what we need, someone who is willing to take a risk,make things happen,try something different and not rely on others to do it. Some people going on about Adam's passing success rate, i think yesterday was a perfect example of why it's not higher, more difficulty and risk involved. We have too many simple,sideways passers IMO. With Stevie & Adam now we have have 2 players that can make something happen out of nothing, and spot runs from Suarez & openings for Carroll.

Say what you want about Torres but he made so many quality runs that just weren't spotted by our midfield and he got pissed off about it, and rightly so. Hopefully that doesn't happen to Suarez, with Adam,Gerrard,Henderson,Kuyt,Downing etc the front lads should get proper service and not have to drop out wide or deep to get into the game, like we've seen in previous years. The closer to goal and more time Carroll and Suarez spend in the box, obviously the more likelihood of us scoring is.

Anyways if Aqua doesn't go,which he probably won't, hopefully he can prove to be a good squad player. Personally i don't feel he's cut out for the midfield battle, neither is Meireles, but i'd choose Meireles over Aqua every time.

[Kenneth]

he does pick out some nice balls to the wings, but often he plays tippy tappy stuff, and dithers on the ball. If he's fully fit and training with the first team under Kenny and Clarke I do think he'd be a good squaddie to have though.

[danperkins]

he does pick out some nice balls to the wings, but often he plays tippy tappy stuff, and dithers on the ball. If he's fully fit and training with the first team under Kenny and Clarke I do think he'd be a good squaddie to have though.

[Mostar]

IMO it's completely the opposite of that, he's nice footballer with time and a space but from what i've seen from him over recent years most of his stuff is no risk,simple balls.

Whereas we seen Adam in the second half immediately trying long diagonals, through balls,decisive passes etc, that's what we need, someone who is willing to take a risk,make things happen,try something different and not rely on others to do it. We have too many simple,sideways passers IMO. With Stevie & Adam now we have have 2 players that can make something happen out of nothing, and spot runs from Suarez & openings for Carroll.

Say what you want about Torres but he made so many quality runs that just weren't spotted by our midfield and he got pissed off about it, and rightly so. Hopefully that doesn't happen to Suarez, with Adam,Gerrard,Henderson,Kuyt,Downing etc the front lads should get proper service and not have to drop out wide or deep to get into the game, like we've seen in previous years. The closer to goal and more time Carroll and Suarez spend in the box, obviously the more likelihood of us scoring is.

Anyways if Aqua doesn't go,which he probably won't, hopefully he can prove to be a good squad player. Personally i don't feel he's cut out for the midfield battle, neither is Meireles, but i'd choose Meireles over Aqua every time.

I disagree. He's not looking for easy passes ala Lucas (no dig at him at all) but I do think that his teammates need to get to use to his vision as he thinks always one step ahead of them so sometimes they get caught surprised and don't expect the pass.

I liked him in the role yesterday and if he would have gotten the ball more frequently when he was deep in the hole I think we would have scored a couple more.

Also I would take Aquilani over Raul any day of the week as to me he gives us much more options.

[Kenneth]

My impression is that he gets the ball, controlls it and then looks for the pass.

[Mostar]

Not all the time. He had few runs yesterday where he wasn't looking for the pass first and covered a lot of ground before he got rid of the ball.

[Fernandinho]

I really like that about Aquilani, if there is space to move into he will take the ball with him and look to get close to defenders before looking for a 1-2 or playing a cute little ball in behind. He isn't a player for keeping posesssion but he does look to make things happen. With players like Maxi, Lucas and downing in the squad who are very good at keeping the ball Aquilani is perfect for trying to harder, low success passes.

[yamiedo]

I hope Aquilani is involved a lot next season. His creativity under pressure is great. Andy Carroll will have no complaints about service now with Gerrard, Adam, Aquilani and Downing all pinging balls to him. I cannot wait for next season now. Feel's like we finally have squad depth and It hasn't felt like that for a long time. I'm going to back Aqua man all the way!!

[Mostar]

I hope Aquilani is involved a lot next season. His creativity under pressure is great. Andy Carroll will have no complaints about service now with Gerrard, Adam, Aquilani and Downing all pinging balls to him. I cannot wait for next season now. Feel's like we finally have squad depth and It hasn't felt like that for a long time. I'm going to back Aqua man all the way!!

[Mostar]

http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/100945.html?CMP=chrome

Aquilani to 'wear the shirt of Liverpool' - agent

Alberto Aquilani's agent has moved to quash rumours the player is Italy-bound, insisting the chances of him leaving Liverpool this summer are "slim".

Aquilani spent last season on loan at Juventus and was keen to extend his stay in Italy. However, despite making 33 league appearances for the Turin club, the 26-year-old's services were not heavily sought after.

There was speculation the former Roma man, who is under contract with the Reds until 2014, was a target of AC Milan but the midfielder announced earlier this month he will stay at Anfield.

And when asked what the likelihood was of Aquilani leaving Liverpool, his agent Franco Zavaglia said: "Slim. The opportunity for Alberto to return to the Italian league is very low at this time."

According to media speculation, Sunderland were reportedly interested in signing the player - rumours that have been rubbished by Zavaglia.