Xabi Alonso Walks Off, Alberto Aquilani Walks On For Liverpool

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Liverpool losing Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid has the Anfield faithful wondering about his replacement Alberto Aquilani.

I have been a huge supporter of Alonso during his time at Anfield. His play last season had me optimistic about this coming season with him in the mix, but his form has rewarded him the attention and eventual transfer to Real Madrid's spending project for a reported £30m.

He will be missed, but we must walk on.

Boss Rafa Benitez wasted no time bringing in his "replacement". Aquilani's transfer from Roma was hard, but necessary given Roma's financial situation. This replacement to Alonso may not be as well known as the Basque master passer, but he should be raising the spirits of Reds fans instead of worrying them.

Although brought in to account for Alonso's exit, these two have different styles of play. Scouring the boards as I do, I have noticed a lot of people complaining about the Aquilani acquisition with the lad yet to touch the EPL pitch. The player has an impressive upside, having previously been targeted by London's big two; Arsenal and Chelsea.

Not having an educated opinion on this new signing, I pulled up a highlight reel of Aquilani on YouTube. From what I saw, Liverpool is gaining a great attack-minded midfielder. A replacement for Alonso? As a player on the pitch, but he brings a more goal-driven presence to the squad.

"He’s really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional," said former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise regarding Aquilani. "He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he’s always on the run."

What has me optimistic about Aquilani is how highly regarded Roma and his former teammates hold the player. He was seen as the future of Roma, chiseled in the form of Francesco Totti or Daniele De Rossi. Aquilani was expected to be the likely successor to hold the #10 kit.

Complaints of adjustments from Serie A to the EPL have come up as well. I am sure many had the same initial opinion of Gianfranco Zola when he came to England. His susceptibility to injury is a main concern. It was a major reason he never grew into the expectations Roma had of him, and probably a major factor to Roma letting their future go.

Aquilani is recovering from surgery he had on his right ankle in May. Too many people put emphasis on the "man of glass" reputation some players start building for themselves. However, you do not see Manchester United complaining the myriad of ankle and foot injuries suffered by Wayne "Shrek" Rooney.

A look at all Aquilani brings to Liverpool, I see no problem sliding Aquilani into the starting eleven if he stays fit and healthy.

"Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League," Benitez said of his new transfer.

Benitez expects Aquilani's play to excite Liverpool fans. I am not excited just yet—there are a few more questions still unanswered with Liverpool.

Can Benitez find a way to bring in David Silva and another defender?

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