Alberto Aquilani

[PaulMcC]

Gerrard isn't a centre midfielder anymore imo.

 

He won't even put in a shift in there anymore. He wouldn't even tackle against Reading in the first game and looked as if he thought it was beneath him.

[shaunstrudwick]

exactly - cos he is isn't

 

i like to see him get stuck in as well but this is part of his natural game anyway

 

there is absolutely no need for 2 'defensive' centre mids imo with teh quality that we have in centre mid - if we had another world class attacker to replace Gerrard's role behind Torres then Gerrard should be moved back to centre mid

 

Gerrard and Masch are the perfect midfield partnership imo

 

while i can see that Aquilani has skill - i still do not know really how to accomodate him in the team - he certainly is not a like for like for Alonso departing and i don't want to see him playing so deep

 

logic says stick him up behind Torres - but i don't know if that would get the best out of him either

 

------------------Torres

-----Benayoun----------------Maxi

--------------Aquilani----Gerrard-

------------------Masch*

 

*that's not say that all he should do is sit - between him and Gerrard and Aquialni they should be able to boss the midfield effectively

 

all midfield players should be able to inter-link effectively and create a lot of movement - but by losing Alonso we don't have a deep lying playmaker anymore - but for me that was the key to the Gerrard and Torres partnership imo

 

Rafa should have known this and got in another striker to compliment Torres and completely changed tactics imo

[shaunstrudwick]

Gerrard isn't a centre midfielder anymore imo.

 

He won't even put in a shift in there anymore. He wouldn't even tackle against Reading in the first game and looked as if he thought it was beneath him.

 

he's carrying an injury and his head hasn't been in it this season cos of all the shit going on off the pitch

 

we are yet to see a 100% Gerrard this season

[jackofdk]

Reminds me a bit of Rosicky. He'd be equally exposed in central midfield.

 

I think this is a very good comparison based on what we've seen from Aquilani so far.

 

Both are injury prone as well.

[shaunstrudwick]

I think this is a very good comparison based on what we've seen from Aquilani so far.

 

Both are injury prone as well.

 

Wenger plays Rosicky out of position on the wing does he not?

 

you could be onto something there - lol!

[havarantagain]

For Aquailani to make here he will have to toughen up a lot and cut out the ballerina type pirouettes. He's not a ball winning Souness type of play maker now is he.

[Torvald Utne]

4 starts...

[zigackly]

4 starts...

 

No tackles ...

 

Seriously, I am not making any conclusions about whether he is good enough yet, but he's being played in a position where you have to put in a defensive shift and it's clear as day that he won't be.

[Torvald Utne]

I guess I'll give him more than 4 starts after a long lay-off before I decide what is clear as day about him. I mustn't be reactionary enough I suppose.

[shaunstrudwick]

No tackles ...

 

Seriously, I am not making any conclusions about whether he is good enough yet, but he's being played in a position where you have to put in a defensive shift and it's clear as day that he won't be.

 

he shouldn't be playing that deep though imo

 

he doesn't fit into our team at present and to get the best out of him we might have to build our team around him

[zigackly]

I guess I'll give him more than 4 starts after a long lay-off before I decide what is clear as day about him. I mustn't be reactionary enough I suppose.

 

If you see him put in a defensive shift one day you can refresh this thread and make yourself look wise at my expense.

[PaulMcC]

He has to start putting in tackles.

 

As does Gerrard if he ever plays there again.

[Torvald Utne]

If you see him put in a defensive shift one day you can refresh this thread and make yourself look wise at my expense.

 

I don't play those games.

[zigackly]

I don't play those games.

 

Nor do I fella, nor do I.

[Menc]

In fairness to him, he's probably still concerned about what shape his body's in having had the best part of two seasons out injured. Think I'd be nervous about making tackles in my first few games back as well.

[Monster Masch]

What did people think of his performance tonight?

 

I just noticed a few people had him at number one in the MOM thyread just. I, personally don't think he was that good but he is showing a few signs here and there. Has to play in that position while Gerrard is not available.

[Guest davelfc]

At one stage in the first half he flicked a ball high and to the right, it looked like it was going out but it hung there and curled around to almost hug the touchline. Brilliant. I think he will only get better and better as the team grow in confidence.

[NorwegianRed]

Really happy with his performance, of course not used to the high tempo, but he looked very eager to get the ball and make something of it. INFINITY AND BEYOND!

[zigackly]

Good touch, vision and passing, still a way off the pace, should only play as an attacker.

[Monster Masch]

Yeah he probably is the kind of player that needs a confident team for him to get going.

[Randy Marsh]

Getting better every week. The lad is class, you can see it in his touches. He is slowly but surely growing in to it. He'll be a superstar next season if he stays fit.

[Soleilrouge]

to be honest dont see how he can be criticised tonight - thought he was class - first game i saw him i thought he was gonna be a big player for us

[Anubis]

I think he's starting to adjust to the pace of the Premiership and realise that he hasn't got anywhere near the time he had in Italy.

[rebel23]

I love his touch and skill

[Guest juanmanual]

He has been shite so far,yet another 'top' signing from our clueless gaffer.