Aquilani asks for time to prove his worth

A TELLING exchange took place between two Liverpool fans on the approach to Anfield on Wednesday night.

"I hope Aquilani has a good game," began the conversation.

"Same here," came the reply. "It's about time we started to see a bit more from him."

Less than three months ago, the only question surrounding the summer acquisition was whether we would ever get to see him at all.

In that sense, Aquilani has come a long way in a relatively short space of time.

From his debut at The Emirates in late October, to the part he played in setting up Dirk Kuyt for the first of a match-winning double against Tottenham this week, Aquilani has had to learn to walk before he can run again.

Still, whether he plays or not, he is well aware that the weight of expectation hangs heavier around his neck with each passing game.

But, although he accepts people are waiting for tangible proof that he can justify his substantial price tag, Aquilani subscribes to the notion that good things come to those who wait.

"I know a lot has been said and written about me so far without me being able to prove my ability in matches," he agrees.

"Soon, I believe that I will.

"I understand that people are still wondering whether I will be a good signing for Liverpool.

"But I need to be judged after I have played in a run of games. I feel a lot better about my fitness now, although it could still be higher.

"I am relaxed because I know I can do a lot better and with time I know that will happen."

Of his 12 appearances to date, Aquilani has stayed on the pitch from beginning to end just once - albeit for all 120 minutes of the FA Cup replay against Reading.

Had he remained with his boyhood club, Roma, he would probably have played a lot more this season.

The slower pace and familiarity of Serie A may have suited him better after missing so much football over the past 18 months, the consequence of a persistent ankle injury that eventually required surgery.

That saw Aquilani miss the start of the season with Liverpool.

Not only has he had to get back on his feet, but he has also been faced with learning a new style of play while adjusting to a new culture and all that this brings with it for the first time in his life.

It hasn't been easy for Aquilani, and former Liverpool midfielder Jan Molby suggests it could be next season until we begin to see the best of the Italian playmaker.

"I don't think it's fair to judge Alberto now," said the Dane.

"It always takes the type of player he is longer to adjust to the English game than say a battling midfielder.

"Then there's the fact he missed the opening months of the season and didn't make his first Premier League start until December.

"From now until the end of the campaign, he will gain experience and find ways of improving during matches. Then he'll have a break before getting a proper pre-season under his belt. That's when people should start to judge him."

The 2-0 win over Tottenham was Aquilani's most encouraging outing for Liverpool to date.

Although he faded before being substituted in the second half, his quick-thinking and eye for a pass were evident as he linked up well with Dirk Kuyt, playing in a support role behind the Dutchman.

The fact he hasn't been able to strike up an on-field rapport with Fernando Torres yet is as frustrating for Aquilani as it is his manager, Rafa Benitez, who brought the Italy international in to help quicken the attacking process between the back and front-lines.

Of the seven matches Aquilani and Torres have been involved in together, they have shared the same pitch for more than half an hour on just three occasions.

With Aquilani's speed of thought and Torres's turn of pace, the mind boggles as to the havoc they could wreak. Throw Steven Gerrard into the mix and it becomes a truly mouthwatering prospect.

Injuries to all three have put the development of a holy trinity on hold so far, while there have been the rudimentary doubts as to whether Aquilani can adapt to the idiosyncrasies of the English game. Again, given time to show what he can do, the 25-year-old is certain he can flourish where the likes of his recently departed countryman, Andrea Dossena, floundered.

"Some people may think that I will find the pace of the Premier League very quick," says Aquilani.

"I understand that some players who have done well in Serie A have come here in the past and struggled.

"But I think I am perfectly suited to the system Liverpool play.

"The manager has spoken to me about his ideas for the team and it is clear he wants me to play further up the pitch linking between the defensive midfielder and Steven Gerrard.

"The manager has explained to me in detail what he wants me to do for the team.

"At the moment, I am regaining my fitness after a long time away from football. It will take me a while to get to a level I am happy with and I don't think I'm that far away.

"When every player is fit, including me, I think it will bring the best from me and the best from the 11 players we have out on the pitch."

Put another way, Aquilani is looking forward to answering the questions being asked of him.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.