Aquilani out to impress for Liverpool

Since signing for Liverpool at the start of last season, it’s fair to say Alberto Aquilani hasn’t entirely won over the Anfield faithful. The midfielder, who cost Liverpool a reported £20 million when he signed from Roma, missed much of the first half of last season with an ankle injury suffered while still playing for the his former club. Even once he had regained his fitness, he could only show glimpses of the ability which convinced former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to spend what he did on the 26-year-old.

But, although speculation continues to link the 26 year-old with a return to his homeland as new manager Roy Hodgson attempts to raise funds to build his own team, the new Liverpool manager has told the Italian international that he is very much in his plans for the upcoming campaign. Aquilani’s agent has quashed rumours suggesting his client could be on his way back to Roma stating his client is focused on having a good season with Liverpool.

However, Aquilani remains determined to make his mark in the Premier League and hopes a fresh start under new boss Hodgson will allow him to flourish this season. As a result, he has no intention of moving on and his representative has been quick to play down reports of an imminent return to Italy. The Liverpool fans are known for their patience with the team. They will want to see a significant improvement from the midfielder in this campaign. Indeed, they will need most of their players to step up as some will no doubt make Aston Villa betting tips to finish above Liverpool this season.

During his time at Roma, Aquilani was thought of as one of the country’s best midfielders. He made his debut for Roma under Fabio Capello as an 18-year-old. He’s gone on to represent Italy 11 times but wasn’t involved in his country’s disastrous World Cup campaign this summer.

After such a poor season last year by Liverpool, not much was expected from the Merseysiders this season. That all changed with the signing of Joe Cole a few weeks ago. Cole’s arrival prompted Steven Gerrard and more recently Fernando Torres to commit their futures to the club. Liverpool fans can now justifiable expect their team to challenge for honours this season. It’s unlikely pundits will make Liverpool betting tips for the league, but they have three cup competitions to contest.

Possibly the most important task Hodgson has this campaign is getting back in the Champions League. The 2005 winners will have to spend this season competing in the Europa League but will go into that competition as one of the favourites to lift the trophy.