Rafael Benitez is contemplating playing Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani in a free role behind the forwards in the future, and could deploy the playmaker there when Atletico Madrid come to town on Thursday.
The Italian has endured a tough time since moving to Anfield from Roma in a £20 million deal last summer, with injuries derailing his progress in the first-team.
But after laying on three assists while operating in that position during 4-0 Premier League win against Burnley last weekend, Benitez believes Aquilani's creativity can be exploited to the club's advantage.
And with the Reds keen to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, Benitez is keeping his options open.
"It is an option. He can play in both positions," the Reds gaffer told the club's official website.
"In the first year, especially because he has been injured for a long time, to manage him and find the right position for him was not easy because the Premier League is very strong and physical."
Steven Gerrard scored two goals playing from a deeper position in the game at Turf Moor, and Benitez admits playing the system more regularly might be an option for him.
"In this position he [Aquilani] has freedom and with Gerrard behind him they can pass to each other," he said.
"Aquilani can pass the ball and when the game is open like in the second half (against Burney) he can move and give good assists."
The Italian has endured a tough time since moving to Anfield from Roma in a £20 million deal last summer, with injuries derailing his progress in the first-team.
But after laying on three assists while operating in that position during 4-0 Premier League win against Burnley last weekend, Benitez believes Aquilani's creativity can be exploited to the club's advantage.
And with the Reds keen to turn around a 1-0 deficit in the Europa League semi-final second leg on Thursday, Benitez is keeping his options open.
"It is an option. He can play in both positions," the Reds gaffer told the club's official website.
"In the first year, especially because he has been injured for a long time, to manage him and find the right position for him was not easy because the Premier League is very strong and physical."
Steven Gerrard scored two goals playing from a deeper position in the game at Turf Moor, and Benitez admits playing the system more regularly might be an option for him.
"In this position he [Aquilani] has freedom and with Gerrard behind him they can pass to each other," he said.
"Aquilani can pass the ball and when the game is open like in the second half (against Burney) he can move and give good assists."
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