WireFanatic III wrote:
Aquilani needs to be used this season, rather than letting him go on loan or be sold. He's a great player and I've just never understood why he was bought, rarely used and then shipped off. It's just a waste of £20M. At least if he stays, he'll have the confidence knowing he is wanted in the team.
The only thing I've noticed with him when I've seen him play in the past is that he doesn't seem to go for the shot that often, even from 18 yards. Most of the time he will look for the pass and it goes astray. He made a cracking effort last night, so he's got the power, he just needs to realise that taking a shot may at times be the easiest option than a chip over or a through ball.
I agree. There are myths that go around saying things like he was too lightweight, couldn't adapt to the football and he actually played poorly when he got on. I've never understood where it comes from, pundits and Liverpool fans say it yet they can't back it up. When he came in during Rafa's last season, he was the only positive from a woeful season end. I felt that, in the long term, Rafa probably played it right by playing him less to ease the settling in, but I could never understand Roy's/Purslow's desire to get rid, especially when they went and signed Meireles and not fully replacing Mascherano.
Maybe we don't know something behind the scenes, maybe Aquilani and his agent really want to leave England, or maybe there are long term injury possibilities, who knows? But from what we do know, Alberto has to stay and he has to be considered a starter in midfield; however, I can't see that happening with Henderson and Adam being brought in, as their signings will have to be justified, which, I feel, will result in Aquilani not getting the playing time.
