Liverpool Newboy Alberto Aquilani Finally Makes Reds Debut (Video)

Retryboy - October 21st, 2009 at 11:34 pm

He will be a quality player won’t feature against united tho too early will see him in the carling cup against arsenal

saif - October 22nd, 2009 at 7:20 am

Liverpool fans might see it as a case of too little too late but £20million signing Alberto Aquilani finally made his debut in a red shirt on Wednesday night.
As Rafael Benitez’s side cry out for more inspiration, co-owner George Gillett turned up at Tranmere to check out what his club’s hefty investment has bought in a reserve game against Sunderland.
Long-awaited: Alberto Aquilani finally enjoys his first appearance in a Liverpool shirt
Before last night, an ankle injury that required surgery had prevented Aquilani from kicking a ball in anger since joining Liverpool from Roma on a five-year contract worth £80,000-a-week in the summer.
His last competitive match was back in March and the Italian midfielder, signed as a replacement for Xabi Alonso, was tentative at Prenton Park.
Ready to go: Aquilani waits patiently on the bench (left) before stripping off to appear as a substitute with 15 minutes remaining (right)
Aquilani played for the final 15 minutes and showed some neat touches but had few opportunities to impress Gillett or watching assistant manager Sammy Lee.
Understandably, he showed no appetite for a 50-50 challenge that came his way late on as Liverpool won 2-0.
Aquilani said afterwards: ‘It’s not easy after such a long time out. But my ankle is good and all I want to do is play.’
Stylish: The Italian midfielder showed some nice touches on the ball (above) and found himself in the thick of the action straight away (below)

There is no prospect of Aquilani playing against Manchester United on Sunday but he could feature in next week’s Carling Cup game against Arsenal.
Liverpool’s reserve manager John McMahon said: ‘The temptation is always there to start him but we have to be careful. He will need a few more reserve games before he is ready.’
Taking an interest: Liverpool’s co-owner George Gillett was present at Tranmere’s Prenton Park to watch the new man in action
Rafa Benitez is fireproof! Liverpool won’t pay £20million to axe under-fire manager Why Rafa Benitez must carry the can: Liverpool boss finds his power comes at a high priceIan Ladyman: Liverpool’s 2005 feelgood factor has worn thinRafa Benitez’s £229m spending spree: The 76 players signed during the Liverpool manager’s reignMascherano reveals crisis talks ahead of Manchester United showdownRafa Benitez on the ropes: Five moments that threaten to break Liverpool’s seasonLIVERPOOL FC

Retryboy - October 22nd, 2009 at 1:02 pm

Got to be the most pathetic charm offensive ever gillett turning up to a reserve game. Deal has fallen through for his shares and he is trying to give the impression he actually gives a toss about liverpool.

DJ_KIDA - October 22nd, 2009 at 2:39 pm

Do you think the Prince Faisel has walked away from the deal then Retryboy?? Must admit, havent heard anything more about it tbh.

Retryboy - October 22nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Last i heard gillett went out to the middle east for four days and the only things discussed were finding locations for liverpool academies in saudi and starting a middle eastern nascar league. Shares in liverpool hadn’t even been discussed and the spokesman even said it was just an idea thrown across the table. Big difference from the early reports that a deal was virtually done. The prince has always said he wouldn’t invest until the level of debt had been reduced anyway.