Rafa - Aquilani to excite fans

06 August 2009 08:00
Rafa Benitez believes prospective new signing Alberto Aquilani is a player who will excite the Liverpool supporters. Roma midfielder Aquilani has been earmarked as a replacement for Xabi Alonso after the Spain international completed his protracted move to Real Madrid on Wednesday evening. Liverpool have agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £20million, with Roma for Aquilani, who will travel to England later this week to undergo a medical and discuss personal terms. Benitez is delighted to be bringing Aquilani to Anfield and is confident the midfielder will make a positive impact in the coming season. "Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for," the Liverpool boss told the club's official website. "He can play a little bit higher than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.   "He has good passing - the final ball is good - and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.   "I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the U19 European Championship with his country, and U21 too. He has some trophies - including the Italian Cup.   "I always remember one game - England versus Italy U21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win." Meanwhile, Benitez does not believe Albert Riera suffered a serious injury after being taken off in the 2-0 win over Lyn Oslo on Wednesday night. He added: "He twisted his ankle, but I don't think it is serious. We had to take him off, but it is always better to be careful with these things."

Source: SKY_Sports