Source: Liverpool_Echo
Alberto Aquilani could make difference in Liverpool FC's premier title race - Rafa Benitez
Alberto Aquilani _300[LNB]RAFA BENITEZ believes new signing Alberto Aquilani could make the difference in the race for this season's Premier League title.[LNB]Liverpool's challenge last season was hampered by seven home draws and the Reds boss is confident the Italian midfielder will provide a greater cutting edge.[LNB] Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Macromedia's Flash Player. Get the latest Flash player.// //Aquilani, who will miss the start of the season as he recovers from ankle surgery, was signed from Roma as Xabi Alonso's replacement in a deal potentially worth £20million.[LNB]And Benitez is backing the versatile 25-year-old to be a big hit at Anfield and ease the goal burden on Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.[LNB]'Aquilani is a player we have been monitoring for a long time,' Benitez said.[LNB]'He's a clever player, he can pass the ball quickly and can play one touch with good vision.[LNB]'Alonso would drop off to receive the ball but Aquilani is more offensive and is a player with more mobility. He is very good at getting into the box and scoring goals.[LNB]'He can play as a second striker if necessary, but his best position will be between Gerrard and Mascherano - or between Lucas and Gerrard.[LNB]'The difference between draws and victories is a little bit of quality and we believe Aquilani is this type of player.'[LNB]Benitez insists he has no concerns about Aquilani's long term fitness.[LNB]'We knew about the injury, we checked everything and our medical department believe we can work with him to get him fit,' he added,[LNB]'We think that we can improve him. We are 100% confident he will be okay.[LNB]'Since the first day he was here with the physios, he was in the gym and the swimming pool, training and working really hard to be fit as soon as possible.'[LNB]Benitez has revealed he knew three months ago that Alonso would move to Real Madrid this summer.
