Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
Dammit Thunderball, where are you? Is this guy any good?
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Well... Aquilani is one of those players at the crossroads of his career. This is where he either completes the flop and becomes midtable fodder, or he achieves his potential and becomes a CM star.
He's got good control and speed, but he's very injury prone, and can disappear in big matches. He's a lot like Tiago Mendes to be honest. He's been a flop for the Italian NT, and shockingly, has not always been a fixture in Roma's starting 11, often overlooked for De Rossi, Menez, Baptista, Perrotta, Brighi and Pizarro. He was hoped to be De Rossi's ideal partner, but that never happened. I honestly think Roma is better off without him and with the money. Ironically, Juventus was really after him 2-3 years ago, but with Aquilani's stagnation, coupled with Marchisio's ascendance, Tiago's resurgence and the signings of Melo, Sissoko and Diego, they lost all interest this offseason.
However, like Tiago, he might do really well under a new coach, with new expectations.
Frankly, I think Liverpool made a mistake unless they are really hard up for cash. Xabi Alonso is one of the best CMs in the game right now and honestly, I think Mascherano and Lucas are better than Aquilani right now.
At this rate, Liverpool is becoming the dumping ground for Italian flops... which is probably not what you wanted to hear.