Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has spoken about his new No.4: Alberto Aquilani and his plans for the midfielder. The Reds boss revealed he doesn't see him as a direct replacement for Alonso because he expects to play him higher up the pitch:"Xabi is a holding midfielder that can play long. He (Aquilani) is a player with more mobility, playing a little bit higher," said Benitez to the official site.
"He can pass the ball and keep getting into the box."
"We have Mascherano and Lucas Leiva both playing really well, with Gerrard in front. He can play instead of any of them."
"He can play as second striker if necessary, but his best position will be between Gerrard and Mascherano - or between Lucas and Gerrard."
Rafa also dismissed any injury concerns for the player:
"We knew that he had some problems. We think that we can improve him and keep him fit. We are 100 per cent confident he will be okay.
"Since the first day he was here with the physios, he was in the gym and the swimming pool, training and working really hard to be fit as soon as possible."
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