Liverpool-Bound Alberto Aquilani Is ‘More Dangerous’ Than Xabi Alonso – Riise
ohn Arne Riise, a former Liverpool player now plying his trade at Roma,believes team-mate Alberto Aquilani has what it takes to be a successin the Premier League.
The Norwegian international, who has a thunderous left-footed shot,admitted to The Daily Express that upon his own move from Liverpool toRoma, he had little idea who Aquilani was, but it did not take long forhim to learn of the Italian's ability.
Riise, 28, opined that Aquilani is the greater threat than Xabi Alonso, as he "runs more than Xabi" and gets into the box more.
“When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani,"Riise stated. "I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi andPhilippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised methe most in my first months with what he could do.”
On the specific capabilities that make Aquilani stand out, Riise said,“He’s really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, heworks hard and is a good professional. He likes to have the ball at hisfeet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep theteam moving. He never stands still, he’s always on the run.
“He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals.
“When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He’sa good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player.”
Riise also believes it will not take long for Aquilani to adapt to aleague that focuses more on pace, power and physicality than Serie A.
“There is an obvious difference between the Italian and Englishleagues. Here it is more tactical whereas in England you’re playing 90minutes up and down, up and down, and there is more emphasis on powerand physical force," the Norwegian explained.
“But Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t all about physique, and he has been thebest player in the Premier League in recent seasons. Everyone canadapt. It just takes time. The key is how long it takes. I was lucky. Ifitted in quite quickly when I joined from Monaco. Alberto is someonewho wants to make the most of his talent and wants to prove himself, soif Liverpool come in for you, it is very hard to say no.”
Liverpool Are One Of The Biggest Clubs In The World - Alberto Aquilani
Alberto Aquilani has said that he feels sad to leave Roma - the clubthat nurtured him as a youngster - but has hailed Liverpool as one ofthe biggest sides in the world, stating that he is looking forward tohis time with the Reds, should his proposed move reach fruition.
"Obviously I feel very sorry to leave my city and Roma," the midfielder has been quoted in The Liverpool Echo as saying.
"But should the deal be completed with Liverpool, it would be fantasticto play with players like [Steven] Gerrard and [Fernando] Torres andthe others.
“Liverpool are one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
When quizzed over his departure from the club he loves, Aquilani said, "I am moving on.
"I want to cordially thank all the Roma fans, who were like neighboursto me and me to them. I was always a fan of Rome and still am."
发表于 9-8-2009 01:13 AM
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