Aqualani one step closer to debut
Source: Liverpool Echo
ALBERTO AQUILANI has taken a huge step towards making his Liverpool debut now he has started kicking a ball again for the first time in six months.
Rafa Benitez reported last week that his £20m midfielder was making good progress but erred on the side of caution as to when Aquilani might be seen in a Red shirt.
However, the Italian was given the green light to start doing some ball work again late last week and has continued to work on passing and shooting in the last couple of days.
There is a growing sense of anticipation amongst supporters about Aquilani, who was drafted in to fill the void left by Xabi Alonso’s move to Real Madrid.
But there is no chance of him launching his career in the cut and thrust of a potentially pivotal clash against Manchester United on Sunday week.
Benitez will be looking to ease Aquilani in gradually as the 25-year-old has not played a competitive game since Arsenal beat his old club Roma in the Champions League in March.
The reserves have a game against Sunderland at home next Wednesday but it could be that Benitez waits a further seven days before pushing him into the frame.
That would open up the prospect of Aquilani getting his first taste of English football in the Carling Cup fourth round clash at Arsenal on October 28.
