Topic: Alberto Aquilani - good luck to the lad

[Fromola]

That's essentially it. We keep crying out for the next Gerrard but what we need is a better collective and then when we do have players like Gerrard who can just win the game on his own it just gives us a stronger edge but priority is a better collective unit and Aquilani is perfect for that system - he doesn't need to be a superstar just needs to do the simple things really well which he does.

There's been too much individualism at Liverpool for a while. Houllier always based our whole attacking game around Owen to the point where we didn't know what to do when he wasn't playing.

For periods everything's been about Gerrard or Torres, and even last season it was "just give the ball to Suarez and hope he can do something" or a captain who doesn't trust his team mates on the pitch and starts almost tackling his own team mates to get the ball.

We need to be a team again.

[vivabobbygraham]

There's been too much individualism at Liverpool for a while. Houllier always based our whole attacking game around Owen to the point where we didn't know what to do when he wasn't playing.

For periods everything's been about Gerrard or Torres, and even last season it was "just give the ball to Suarez and hope he can do something" or a captain who doesn't trust his team mates on the pitch and starts almost tackling his own team mates to get the ball.

We need to be a team again.

Yep. Goals from all round the team should be the prerequisite this season and next and the season after that. If Aqua can row in with 10 over a season then he's our man. Can he though?

Too reliant on our captain over the years. Not his fault, it's a natural instinct from a true red. Shouldn't hold it against him. My hope is that the new mentality within 'the group' is one of being inspired by Gerrard, Aqua included, and not intimidated.

[The Grinch]

No, Al. The thing that makes sticks in my mind is Rafa questioning his mentality. If it wasn't for that, I'd be convinced the lad was the victim of some political bollocks. Now, I just hope he gets some minutes to prove himself one way or another. I see flashes of Terry Mc in the lad. I can't give him a higher rating than that, but I do think he's got to prove himself now or fuck off for good.

I think the Rafa questioning his mentality was a bit overblown to be honest mate, it all stemmed from Rafa saying that some players can play through the pain barrier when they have an injury and some players need to be 100% to get over an injury. It is more physiological than psychological for me. Aquilani had got into a vicious circle at Roma of being injured and then being rushed back too early and then getting injured again.

Roma had a couple of seasons when basically the whole team was virtually either injured or recovering from injury. It was similar to Liverpool in Rafa's first season and his last you end up rushing players back because you have little choice. My understanding was that Benitez was happy to let Aquilani get himself 100% right because we had Lucas, Masch and Gerrard as midfield options. Aquilani actually thanked Benitez for his patience and the proof seems to be in the pudding because since Oct 2010 when Aquilani returned against Arsenal he has only really had one injury of note and has played a hell of a lot of games.

The problem wasn't the time it got to get Aquilani right it was more the ridiculous decision to loan him to Juve and buy Poulson as his replacement probably one of the stupid decisions of a team that has specialised in transfer market fuck ups over recent years. Aquilani finished the 09/10 season strongly and had a good pre-season and was raring to go for me he was just the victim of the politics of the Club at that time. We looked to replace Insua, Lucas and Aquilani with Koncheskey, Poulson and Cole which was utterly baffling.

[Fromola]

I think the Rafa questioning his mentality was a bit overblown to be honest mate, it all stemmed from Rafa saying that some players can play through the pain barrier when they have an injury and some players need to be 100% to get over an injury. It is more physiological than psychological for me. Aquilani had got into a vicious circle at Roma of being injured and then being rushed back too early and then getting injured again.

Roma had a couple of seasons when basically the whole team was virtually either injured or recovering from injury. It was similar to Liverpool in Rafa's first season and his last you end up rushing players back because you have little choice. My understanding was that Benitez was happy to let Aquilani get himself 100% right because we had Lucas, Masch and Gerrard as midfield options. Aquilani actually thanked Benitez for his patience and the proof seems to be in the pudding because since Oct 2010 when Aquilani returned against Arsenal he has only really had one injury of note and has played a hell of a lot of games.

The problem wasn't the time it got to get Aquilani right it was more the ridiculous decision to loan him to Juve and buy Poulson as his replacement probably one of the stupid decisions of a team that has specialised in transfer market fuck ups over recent years. Aquilani finished the 09/10 season strongly and had a good pre-season and was raring to go for me he was just the victim of the politics of the Club at that time. We looked to replace Insua, Lucas and Aquilani with Koncheskey, Poulson and Cole which was utterly baffling.

Unfortunately for him the one injury he did get stopped him completing his move to Milan. At the time he was half way through the season and only a few starts away from completing the number of appearances he needed to make the move permanent. After he got the injury, by the time he came back Milan decided they probably wouldn't buy him for the agreed price so made sure he didn't play in enough games to complete the transfer.

[Fat Scouser]

I was refering more to the mystery stomach bugs when the injury was supposedly sorted. Maybe he'd just been eating in Wally's chippy, but, either way, I reckon, it's shit or get off the pot time for Albert. Obviously, I hope he does well for LFC, but besides that, I think this lad has got it. It's just getting it out of him now. We'll see, I hope.

[The Grinch]

I was refering more to the mystery stomach bugs when the injury was supposedly sorted. Maybe he'd just been eating in Wally's chippy, but, either way, I reckon, it's shit or get off the pot time for Albert. Obviously, I hope he does well for LFC, but besides that, I think this lad has got it. It's just getting it out of him now. We'll see, I hope.

That is pretty much the crux of it Leo, I just hope he is given a fair chance this time and politics don't come into it. Rodgers style should suit him so it's now up to Aquilani.

[vivabobbygraham]

Unfortunately for him the one injury he did get stopped him completing his move to Milan. At the time he was half way through the season and only a few starts away from completing the number of appearances he needed to make the move permanent. After he got the injury, by the time he came back Milan decided they probably wouldn't buy him for the agreed price so made sure he didn't play in enough games to complete the transfer.

In short, they didn't fancy him. Not the lad's fault, economics and all that. But another example of him being the nearly man. If only...

[Il Capitano]

Yep. Goals from all round the team should be the prerequisite this season and next and the season after that. If Aqua can row in with 10 over a season then he's our man. Can he though?

If you look at some notable playmakers in recent years though, a lot of them don't score many goals. I'd personally hope that Aquilani's presence in building attacks would allow our forward players a better quality, and quantity, of chances. The likes of Scholes, Modric, Xavi or Sneijder, they are scorers of great goals - not great goal scorers.

[vivabobbygraham]

If you look at some notable playmakers in recent years though, a lot of them don't score many goals. I'd personally hope that Aquilani's presence in building attacks would allow our forward players a better quality, and quantity, of chances. The likes of Scholes, Modric, Xavi or Sneijder, they are scorers of great goals - not great goal scorers.

True, I'll take a couple of great goals a season, if they are matchwinning goals as some on your list allude to.

[Gnurglan]

Yep. Goals from all round the team should be the prerequisite this season and next and the season after that. If Aqua can row in with 10 over a season then he's our man. Can he though?

Too reliant on our captain over the years. Not his fault, it's a natural instinct from a true red. Shouldn't hold it against him. My hope is that the new mentality within 'the group' is one of being inspired by Gerrard, Aqua included, and not intimidated.

10 goals? That's quite a challenge. Which players have done that for us in recent years?

Before we ask for ten goals from Aquilani, we should expect it from our strikers and attacking/wide midfielders. I think AA prefers a role in the "2" rather than in the "3" if we play 4-2-3-1, so if anything, we should probably ask for assists, but even more for him to set up attacks and for him to keep the ball moving.

[vivabobbygraham]

10 goals? That's quite a challenge. Which players have done that for us in recent years?

Before we ask for ten goals from Aquilani, we should expect it from our strikers and attacking/wide midfielders. I think AA prefers a role in the "2" rather than in the "3" if we play 4-2-3-1, so if anything, we should probably ask for assists, but even more for him to set up attacks and for him to keep the ball moving.

That's my point. Since the halcyon days of McDermott, Case, Souness, Kennedy, Gerrard apart, we've been too reliant on our forwards. We need someone or someones to row in with 10 from midfield. It should be a prerequisite for our new philosophy. My point was, unclear to you obviously, is Aqua that man?

[Fromola]

In short, they didn't fancy him. Not the lad's fault, economics and all that. But another example of him being the nearly man. If only...

Yeah, but Milan are especially tight. Why pay for Aquilani when you can get Montolivo for free? Same the year before with Juve and Pirlo.

Before that injury the intention seemed to be to sign him. He was playing every week, doing well and close to reaching the clause. By the time he came back all of a sudden he was only being used sparingly, and mainly off the bench.

[vivabobbygraham]

Yeah, but Milan are especially tight. Why pay for Aquilani when you can get Montolivo for free? Same the year before with Juve and Pirlo.

Before that injury the intention seemed to be to sign him. He was playing every week, doing well and close to reaching the clause. By the time he came back all of a sudden he was only being used sparingly, and mainly off the bench.

You've answered your own question there. Once Milan knew Montolivo was available, it all went tits up for the lad. As I said, economics. He has been a victim of that all along but he needs to assert himself more and make himself a valuable assett rather than a commodity to be touted around the market place.

[Mali1]

Not even on the bench according to the team sheet http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/borini-on-bench-watch-live

[jackbird_lfc]

Not even on the bench according to the team sheet http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/borini-on-bench-watch-live

Saw someone posted he picked up a knock in training, maybe being rested for Thursday's game?

[.Mike]

Not even on the bench according to the team sheet http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/borini-on-bench-watch-live

Had a knock in training - hence why he was with the reserves in latest training session.

[steveeastend]

Not even on the bench according to the team sheet http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/latest-news/borini-on-bench-watch-live

Left out cause he picked up a knock..

[Gnurglan]

That's my point. Since the halcyon days of McDermott, Case, Souness, Kennedy, Gerrard apart, we've been too reliant on our forwards. We need someone or someones to row in with 10 from midfield. It should be a prerequisite for our new philosophy. My point was, unclear to you obviously, is Aqua that man?

Such a player would be a real asset for us, but I believe it's a big bonus and not so much a necessity now. We lack the attacking threat in the more attacking positions. If we go back to that 08/09 side, we had the attacking midfielders and striker. The next addition to that side, to add more goals, would have been the type of CM you want, probably with a change in formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 to allow for more attacking contribution from the more advanced CMs.

Doubt AA is that man. The only one except Gerrard in our squad who I think has that capability is Adam. And half of those goals would then come from set pieces.

[Spanish Al]

Oh no, he's got a knock already. Thats it, hes finished etc.

Cant wait to see him gracing the Anfield turf in two weeks time rolling back the years with some pass and move.

[LFC_4_life]

Left out cause he picked up a knock..

Where is everyone getting this from? I hope to God it's true and not a sign of where Rogers ranks Aquilani in the pecking order.

[vivabobbygraham]

Such a player would be a real asset for us, but I believe it's a big bonus and not so much a necessity now. We lack the attacking threat in the more attacking positions. If we go back to that 08/09 side, we had the attacking midfielders and striker. The next addition to that side, to add more goals, would have been the type of CM you want, probably with a change in formation from 4-2-3-1 to 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 to allow for more attacking contribution from the more advanced CMs.

Doubt AA is that man. The only one except Gerrard in our squad who I think has that capability is Adam. And half of those goals would then come from set pieces.

Was just saying our goals have to come from further afield otherwise we can easily be nullified if all we set up to score is those upfront whether it be 1, 2 or 3 up top discounting set pieces. 10 from someone in midfield would really put a cat amongst the pigeons.

[Gnurglan]

Was just saying our goals have to come from further afield otherwise we can easily be nullified if all we set up to score is those upfront whether it be 1, 2 or 3 up top discounting set pieces. 10 from someone in midfield would really put a cat amongst the pigeons.

Yes. Anyone who scores 10 would/should be considered a key player for us.

[Fordy]

Left out cause he picked up a knock..

Says who?

Was training yesterday.

I would guess he does have a knock but until BR says he has then everyone is guessing.

[rob1408]

I'm glad he isn't playing on that disgrace of a pitch, someone could get hurt on that.

[realtowz]

I'm glad he isn't playing on that disgrace of a pitch, someone could get hurt on that.

True. Just a horrible horrible pitch...

[Passmaster Molby]

Says who?

Was training yesterday.

I would guess he does have a knock but until BR says he has then everyone is guessing.

There was no Johnson, Kelly, Agger or Pacheco either - wonder if Rodgers is selling all of them?

[Henry Gale]

The People are reporting he's going to Fiorentina for £7m.

[SerbianScouser]

I`ll be well gutted if he leaves. I really like him a lot, he can drag the ball from midfield to the opposition box, has energy in abundance to press, thought he would fit perfectly into that midfield trio. And plus there are so many games to be played we could of used his experience in EL. Its a shame this.

[Tepid water]

The People are reporting he's going to Fiorentina for £7m.

Clearly bollocks

1. It's the people
2.  We can't give him away let alone get£7m

[Get]

The People are reporting he's going to Fiorentina for £7m.

fuck the people

[steveeastend]

There was no Johnson, Kelly, Agger or Pacheco either - wonder if Rodgers is selling all of them?

We have to play a euro league game in a couple of days, those players were obviously rested I would think..

[modokay]

fuck the people

What do you have against the people you tyrant!

[Henry Gale]

Clearly bollocks

1. It's the people
2.  We can't give him away let alone get£7m

Yep, More than likely someone putting 2 and 2 together and getting 5 as he didn't take part today. The fact that he may have got a knock in training and Brendan wants him for next week doesn't come into it.

[Get]

What do you have against the people you tyrant!

 

[OLDIE]

fuck the people

Perhaps another LIVERPOOL manager has decided he is not for us

[TSC]

The People are reporting he's going to Fiorentina for £7m.

Well good luck to him if true.  Thought BR may have wanted to give it till Jan window at least.  But who knows?

[Fordy]

There was no Johnson, Kelly, Agger or Pacheco either - wonder if Rodgers is selling all of them?

Neither said that.

What I said was that we're all guessing he has a knock.

However I wouldn't be shocked if he sold. Want him to stay next season though.

[Lethal]

I'd like him to be given a chance but can't see anything but him leaving by the end of the window.

[OLDIE]

I'd like him to be given a chance but can't see anything but him leaving by the end of the window.

We get 7m then BYE BYE

[royhendo]

Right then - get it out of your systems and try and not be too hysterical. If you must, then try and at least do it in a funny way eh?



http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19043308

Alberto Aquilani: Liverpool accept offer from Fiorentina


Liverpool have accepted an undisclosed offer from Fiorentina for Italian midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

The 28-year-old has flown to Italy from the Reds' pre-season tour of the United States to complete his move.

Liverpool are likely to step up their attempts to sign Swansea's Joe Allen if the deal proceeds as expected.

Aquilani has failed to settle at Anfield since signing in 2009 for £20m from Roma and has been on loan for the last two seasons.

His stints at AC Milan last term and Juventus in the 2010-11 season mean he did not play for former Reds' managers Kenny Dalglish and only made two appearances for Roy Hodgson.

And despite having two years left on his contract and completing pre-season under new boss Brendan Rodgers, it appears that his time at Liverpool is coming to a conclusion.

Rafael Benitez brought Aquilani to Anfield as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, but he struggled with injury and made 26 appearances in his first season.