Aquilani debut cheers Benitez after Carling Cup exit at Arsenal

29 October 2009 08:58
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez hailed Alberto Aquilani's 'passion, character and quality' as the Italian midfielder returned after a three-month wait for him to return to fitness following an ankle injury. [LNB]The £20million signing from Roma, who is expected to fill the void left by Xabi Alonso's departure, came on as a substitute for the last 15 minutes in the 2-1 League Cup defeat at Arsenal.[LNB]Benitez revealed that he will not rush Aquilani's return and will slowly ease him back in - even though the Merseyside club have been desperate for creativity in central midfield during some recent Barclays Premier League matches. [LNB] Italian job: Alberto Aquilani impressed his new manager Rafa Benitez on his Liverpool debut at the Emirates[LNB]Aquilani, 25, almost scored a late equaliser against a youthful Arsenal side during his late cameo appearance with an acrobatic effort during a goalmouth scramble. It was blocked by Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos - leading to penalty appeals for handball that were rejected by referee Alan Wiley.[LNB] Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1: Merida and Bendtner lead the young Guns into quarter-finalsLiverpool ready to reward keeper Pepe Reina with new five-year contractLIVERPOOL FC

Source: Daily_Mail