What to do with Aquilani?

Two years ago, Alberto Aquilani was bought from Roma by Rafa Benitez for 17million pounds. He was dubbed ‘the replacement for Alonso’, but his first season at the club was plagued by injuries. For the subsequent two seasons he was loaned out, first to Juventus and then to AC Milan. But now ‘the Aquaman’ is back.

Many thought that he was due a return last season, as he impressed in his pre-season games with Liverpool. However, he was loaned out to AC Milan, and all things considered has had a pretty poor season there, getting just one goal from 14 Serie A starts and 9 substitute appearances. However, he did manage 6 assists in total in the league.

Although his Serie A form wasn’t great, I personally think he should be given a chance at Liverpool. I know I keep on going on about Brendan Rodgers and his new style, but I really think that the new Liverpool Rodgers is creating will be a club that really suits Aquilani. He likes short passing, keeping possession and neat, clever play. He is the sort of player that theoretically should fit into Rodgers’s plans very well.

Obviously, the ideal signing to help implement this new midfield style would be Xabi Alonso. He is the king of midfield, and is so versatile I think he could probably fit in with any style. Saying that though, he is particularly suited to the sort of play Rodgers is bringing to LFC. There is some talk that Liverpool may attempt to bring Alonso back to Anfield, although personally I think this is just rumours, as I don’t think the club have the funds to make a realistic offer for such an amazing player. However, last year Alonso did say how much he missed Liverpool, and he refused to rule out a return to the club at some point.

To sum up, Liverpool need somebody who can bolster their midfield, and turn them into the side Rodgers wants them to be. Alonso returning would be ideal, but failing that I think Alberto Aquilani should be given another chance. He is exactly the type of player LFC need, and has gained a lot of experience from his two years on loan. He was once marked as the next Alonso, and if he can fulfil that potential and play the passmaster role at the club, he may well bring a lot of success to the club.