Aquilani is Fab says England boss Capello

England coach Fabio Capello believes Alberto Aquilani as the perfect replacement at Liverpool for Xabi Alonso. Speaking in the Star about the Reds new signing from Italy, the England manager said: “I know Aquilani very well as I gave him his first game at Roma," he said in the Star.

Capello' who managed Roma for 5 years gave then 18-year-old Aquilani his debut in Serie A in May 2003 against Torino.

“He’s a really interesting player and, at 25, this is a good moment for him to move from Italy to England. His style of play is the same as Alonso’s,” added the England boss

Ex Red Riise says Aquilani is more dangerous then Alonso

Ex Liverpool player John Arne Riise thinks Liverpool's capture of talented midfielder Alberto Aquilani is a major coup for the Anfield club, claiming he could be more dangerous to opposition teams then recently departed Xabi Alonso.

Riise who joined Roma last summer after seven years with the Reds is well placed to assess just what Aquilani will bring to Liverpool.

“When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani,” said Riise to the Express.

“I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do."

“He’s really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional."

“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."

“He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals."

“When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He’s a good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player.”

“There is an obvious difference between the Italian and English leagues,” said Riise. “Here it is more tactical whereas in England you’re playing 90 minutes up and down, up and down, and there is more emphasis on power and physical force. But Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t all about physique and he has been the best player in the Premier League in recent seasons."

“Everyone can adapt. It just takes time. The key is how long it takes. I was lucky. I fitted in quite quickly when I came from Monaco. Alberto is someone who wants to make the most of his talent and wants to prove himself, so if Liverpool come in for you it is very hard to say no.”

Riise also spoke about Livepool's upcoming Premiership campaign and the Norwegian international believes it could be the Anfield clubs time to win.

“Last season I was so sure they would do it. They made a fantastic start but drew some games and United got stronger,” said Riise. “I really hope they can do it this time. Xabi and Alvaro Arbeloa leaving is a shame, but Glen Johnson is a brilliant signing."

“All the Premier League games are shown on Sky Italia, and I managed to watch every Liverpool game last season. The club is in my heart. I had all my highlights at Liverpool. I still speak with Stevie [Gerrard] and Carra [Jamie Carragher], as well as Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt."

“The first months for me at Roma were hard, learning a new language and settling in, but I am happy here and enjoying it. We can have a really good season and I hope Liverpool can, too.”

Roma legend says Reds target Aquilani will do well at Liverpool

Roma great Giuseppe Giannini believes possible Xabi Alonso replacement, Alberto Aquilani would be a success at Anfield should the Spanish midfielders move to Real Madrid be finalised.

"Aquilani would do well at Liverpool," said Giannini to the Telegraph.

"He would not have any problems adapting to the Premier League. English football is perfect for Aquilani."

"He has all the right characteristics to do well there. He will show Liverpool what he is all about."
"I have no doubts that Liverpool will sign a great player in Aquilani. I think his future will be in the Premier League."

Roma midfielder Aquilani set to replace Alonso

A number of Sunday papers are reporting that Liverpool are in talks with Roma over the signing of midfielder Alberto Aquilani who will replace Xabi Alonso should his move to Real Madrid be completed. The Mirror reports the deal as almost done, claiming: “the Merseysiders were last night on the verge of completing a £20million swoop for 25year-old Italy star Aquilani.” The article suggest the player has been under Rafa’s watchful eye for some time: “Liverpool boss Benitez has been monitoring the midfielder since the European Under-21 Championship two years ago.”

The Star is also running the story claiming: “The fee for Aquilani, 25, is expected to be £18m,” and goes on to say: “Aquilani has always been Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez’s first choice in the event of Alonso leaving.” Although the players agent has recently called such a move ‘laughable,’ the cash strapped club may have a different view on the subject and Benitez “is aware that Roma need to make a significant sale to ease their financial problems,” says the story. Aquilani who is under contract in Rome until 2013, “had an ankle problem last season, which could make signing him something of a gamble. But when fit, he is regarded as one of the top midfielders in Europe.”

Fellow Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi has admitted it would be a major blow for Roma if Alberto Aquilani joins Liverpool, although he acknowledge it would be a good move for the midfielder.

He believes the club may regret selling the player however, De Rossi understands why his team-mate might be tempted to go to Liverpool admitting he would be able to improve by playing alongside the best midfielder in the world.

"I don't know the details and I don't know if the deal is real," reports Sky Sports.

"If it's as it's written in the papers, we will lose a great player.”

"His many injuries have maybe meant that he's been forgotten about a bit, but I am sure that if he leaves we will regret it.”

"He's a footballer with exceptional skill and above all he grew up in Roma's academy and has a love for this shirt that you cannot buy.”

"But if you think about his career I think it would be a good opportunity, he would grow a lot by being close to the best midfielder in the world - Steven Gerrard.”