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Instant Replacement for Alonso Thursday 6th August 2009
Xabi Alonso has managed to complete his move to Real Madrid from Liverpool for a fee of around £30 million. Reds boss Benitez has promised fans that he will quickly bring in “the best replacement” for the midfield ace and it looks like he has done just that!
The player charged with filling Alonso’s boots, Alberto Aquilani. He is a 25 year old midfielder from Roma who has already gained 11 caps for Italy, scoring twice for his home country.
It is thought that Liverpool will be paying in the region of £20m for Aquilani, money which has been gained from the transfer of Alonso.
He is seen as one of the top talents in Italy having excelled at U19 and U21 levels and is now staking his place in the Italian first team.
Alberto has a wealth of playing experience already, through internationals and also at Champions League level, which is crucial for Liverpool who will be look to do well in Europe as well this season.
He has a difficult job to match the performances put in by Alonso, who has played some quite incredible football over the years for Liverpool and has managed to turn games in their favour on more than one occasion.
The signing of Alberto seems to close the door on any real chance of Liverpool now signing Wesley Sneijder or David Silva as they now have plenty of cover in their midfield.
Fantasy Stakes managers can expect to see Aquilani in the squad list for around £6.5m and he is likely to line up in a central quartet for Liverpool with Kuyt, Mascherano and Rieira, with Gerrard supporting Torres up front.
