Alberto Aquilani Is A Player With Quality – Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt

Dirk Kuyt believes that Liverpool will have a quality player in Alberto Aquilani - should the player’s proposed move from Roma go through successfully - and has urged his team-mates to concentrate on mounting a serious Premier League challenge, despite losing Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

Kuyt spoke right after the game against Lyn Oslo, and was unaware that the Reds had agreed upon a fee for the transfer of Aquilani from his Eternal City employers.

"I was just focused on the game, but if it’s correct that he is signing and the deal happens, then it’s good because we will be signing a new player with a lot of quality," Kuyt is quoted in The Liverpool Echo as saying.

When asked if the departure of Alonso to Real Madrid will harm the club in any way, the 29-year-old attacker responded by saying that the Reds will have to move on, irrespective of the consequences.

“Xabi is a very good player but this kind of thing happens in football," he reflected.

“Teams are changing all the time. Xabi played very well for Liverpool but that’s all history now and we have to move on.

"We have to look forward. That’s what Xabi is doing with Real Madrid and we have to do the same.

"We have a lot of good players still here and we are all determined to go one better in the league after coming so close to winning the title last season."

Aquilani, who is reportedly the replacement that Rafael Benitez had in mind when Alonso first asked to leave the club, has arrived in the UK and will be subject to a stringent medical by the Merseyside club.

Why Roma Players Are Happy For Alberto Aquilani To Move To Liverpool FC

Who is Alberto Aquilani? That is the question many Liverpool supporters have been asking during the past week after it emerged the Roma midfielder was being lined up as a replacement for Xabi Alonso.

Only true Serie A aficionados would claim to possess anything more than just a sketchy knowledge of the 25-year-old Italy international who is poised to complete a £20million move to Anfield.

But it’s not the first time Rafael Benitez has tested the faith of Liverpool fans by spending big on a creative midfielder largely unheralded on these shores.

Five years ago, it was the arrival of Alonso that had the Anfield faithful scratching their heads. However, the Spaniard left for Real Madrid earlier this week having cemented his place in club folklore, not least for his efforts in helping Benitez’s side claim the European Cup in 2005.

Aquilani has some act to follow. But, according to his Roma team-mates, Liverpool are gaining a genuine talent.

I am sorry about Alberto, who, as well as being a friend, is a great player and a Roman. He will be missed,” says Francesco Totti, Roma’s talismanic playmaker.

Another Roma midfielder, Daniele De Rossi, was equally salutary.

“We will lose a great player,” says the Italy international. “He’s a footballer with exceptional skill and above all he grew up in Roma’s academy and has a love for this shirt that you cannot buy. But if you think about his career I think it would be a good opportunity, he would grow a lot by being close to the best midfielder in the world – Steven Gerrard.”

“Aquilani will do well at Liverpool,” says Giuseppe Giannini, a key presence in Roma’s midfield during the 1980s and 90s.

“He would not have any problems adapting to the Premier League. English football is perfect for Aquilani. He has all the right characteristics to do well there. He will show Liverpool what he is all about.

“I have no doubts that Liverpool will sign a great player in Aquilani.”

But for all the plaudits, there remains a question mark hanging over Aquilani. The midfielder has only recently returned from an ankle operation, and his fitness concerns mean he made only 14 league appearances last season and 21 the campaign before that.

Aquilani hasn’t played since Roma’s Champions League defeat by Arsenal, and De Rossi admits: “His many injuries have maybe meant that he's been forgotten about a bit, but I am sure that if he leaves we will regret it.”

Lucas Considers Liverpool Exit

Lucas Leiva is the latest Liverpool player to consider an Anfield exit this summer.

Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa have already left for Real Madrid and now Lucas is weighing up his options with Corinthians interested in taking him back to Brazil.

The 22-year-old midfielder has started only 25 league games since arriving from Gremio for £6million in 2007 and had hoped to become a regular following Alonso's departure.

But the Reds have moved quickly for Roma's Alberto Aquilani and Lucas admits he wants to leave if he remains a fringe player for the Reds this season.

"You have to see what Benitez plans but the president of Corinthians already knows I am interested and what I want," he told the Sun.

Lucas is believed to have held talks with Corinthians chief Andre Sanches, who claims the negotiations "are progressing well."

Liverpool Target A Centre Half But Silva Lining Unlikely

Respected authority on Spanish football Guillem Balague has revealed that Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez could make one more signing in the transfer window, and it could be a centre half. However, Balague also predicts that it is unlikely Liverpool can afford Valencia wideman David Silva.

Writing on GuillemBalague.com, the Spaniard relayed:

"Rafa Benitez may make just one further significant signing this summer, and that could well be a centre back. Once the purchase of Aquilani has been completed, Liverpool do not have the funds available to sign David Silva.

"It would take at least €28 million to prize Silva away from the Mestalla, and that fee is beyond what Liverpool are able to spend on one player at the moment.

"David Silva is a player he [Benitez] likes very much, but there is a limit to what will be paid and, now that Benayoun has proven his worth, the Spanish international is not an absolute priority for Benitez.

"At the start of the summer, when it became clear that Silva was going to cost upwards of €20 million, Rafa dropped his interest, and now that Benayoun has been given an improved contract, the Liverpool boss is not going to change his mind and, even if he did, he does not have the funds."

Liverpool Set To Net £15m Shirt Sponsor

Liverpool, despite the serious financial difficulties facing American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett, are confident of quickly finding a big-money shirt sponsor to replace Carlsberg.

The lager brand are not expected to renew their 17-year association with the club when their £8million-a-year deal expires at the end of the season, especially with Liverpool looking to almost double the price to £15m a year and Carlsberg's exclusive negotiating period having finished.

London-based international banking giants Standard Chartered, who just lost out to insurance broker Aon for Manchester United's shirt deal, are already the leading candidates for the Liverpool kit.

The fact that they were competing strongly with Aon, who are paying £20m a year for the United sponsorship for four years from 2010-11, also suggests the bank would meet the steep Liverpool asking price, even in a recession.

A £15m annual contract with Standard Chartered, whose sponsorships include the Bangkok marathon, would put Liverpool level with Chelsea, who have recently extended their deal with Samsung at that rate until 2013.

Liverpool Midfielder Javier Mascherano Will Be Ready For Start Of Season

Argentinian Javier Mascherano was granted extra time off in the post-season following the birth of his second daughter, and is now playing catch-up with the rest of the squad.

“Maybe I need a little bit more work because I arrived back when my team-mates had already been back 10 days,” he told Liverpoolfc.tv. “But I will be in a good position by the start of the new season."

Reflecting on Liverpool's 2-0 victory against FC Lyn in Oslo, Mascherano felt it was significant to get a result.

“We didn't do well against Espanyol so it was important to win,” he said. “It's pre-season but we knew we had to improve because in 10 days we start the Premier League.

“There are a lot of positive things to take from this game, like a clean sheet. We know we still have to improve but we are happy and now we have one more game to improve even more.” he continued.

“After Saturday's game against Atletico we'll have seven days to get in top condition for the Premier League.” he concluded.

Liverpool Will Be Title Favorites, No Matter What Sir Alex Says

Somewhat unbelievably, the most cantankerous old man in football, Sir Alex Ferguson, has already dismissed Liverpool’s hopes of winning the Premier League. Yet if the Overlord of English football feels it necessary to lay into Rafa Benitez’s side without a ball of the new season being kicked, it surely only means one thing: Liverpool are a major threat to Manchester United’s hegemony.

Ferguson’s critical assessment - “Liverpool have just had probably their best season for 20 years, finished up with 86 points and still finished four adrift. It will be hard for them to match that, let alone improve. Other teams will read Liverpool better” - is borne out of fear. For while the Anfield club have just lost a key figure in Xabi Alonso, it does not come close to the impact United will feel without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Liverpool fans have been ridiculed in the past for their regular pre-season refrain of ‘This is our season’, but 2009-10 really could, and should be. Never will they have a better chance of ending their league title drought, never will they be better prepared.

Benitez has improved his already formidable defence with the signing of Glen Johnson, and if he replaces Alonso with the exciting Alberto Aquilani and then uses the rest of his transfer budget to sign a striker and/or an out-and-out winger, then I believe Liverpool will win the Premier League by five or six points.

United, going for a record fourth consecutive title, will badly miss Ronaldo, no matter much they protest otherwise. You cannot take the Portuguese’s goals, assists and general aura out of a team and not weaken it. Replacing Ronaldo with Luis Antonio Valencia is akin to trading in a Ferrari for a BMW. Valencia is very good, but he will not score 20+ goals this season and that will put extra pressure on Ferguson’s strike force.

While United fans are now pretending they were never that bothered about Carlos Tevez, the departure of the Argentine has weakened their front line. An awful lot is resting on Dimitar Berbatov, one of last season’s most underwhelming signings, and Michael Owen, one of last season’s most underwhelming footballers.

United simply do not look the force that Liverpool do, no matter how much Ferguson tries to talk himself, and anyone who’ll listen, into it.

Chelsea will be the team to push Benitez’s men closest, and with a strong, settled side rejuvenated under the command of the now departed Guus Hiddink, they will start the new campaign infused with confidence. But the priority at Stamford Bridge is to win the Champions League, and while Carlo Ancelotti has the squad to compete on all fronts, I feel they will fall short of Liverpool.

Arsenal’s fate is reliant upon their next moves in the transfer market. If Arsene Wenger adds the commanding centre-half and defensive midfielder his team needs, they could launch a sustained title bid. However, with injury concerns over the returning Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo, and major upheaval at boardroom level, the environment at the Emirates does not seem conducive to success at present.

Will Manchester City break up the Big Four cartel? The potential is certainly there, and with their summer outlay, that should be the very least of their ambitions. However, I still feel it is unlikely. Mark Hughes has a massive job on his hands moulding his new-look squad into a cohesive unit, and whether he can handle the rampant egos in his dressing room, coupled with the elevated expectation levels foisted upon him, is highly debatable. I expect Hughes to be gone before Christmas, and replaced by Jose Mourinho.

Match Report: Lyn Oslo 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool triumphed 2-0 today in Oslo over Norwegian outfit FC Lyn, with Rafa Benitez's men enjoying their second win of pre-season in comfortable fashion.

Andrey Voronin headed the Reds into the lead just before the interval, with David Ngog doubling their advantage on the hour mark. The Reds, resplendent in their new all-white European away kit, strolled through the Scandinavian sunshine with their only concern being an injury to Albert Riera, the extent of which is not yet clear.

However, it was the hosts who threatened early on, with Liverpool keeper Diego Cavalieri being called into action early on to tip an effort from striker Davy Angan round the post.

The keeper was forced to make a couple more saves before the Reds began to assert themselves, with efforts from Jay Spearing and Lucas Leiva going close. However, the hosts remained competitive and both teams had opportunities to take the lead before Voronin's effort opened the scoring.

Dutch winger Ryan Babel created the goal, with a powerful run down the left flank capped with a cross to the far post that the Ukrainian nodded home.

Five changes for the Reds followed at half-time, but the disruption was minimal, and Andrea Dossena sparked a well-worked move to allow Ngog to double the visitor's advantage.

The Italian was picked out by a superb ball from Javier Mascherano, before surging into the area and cutting the ball back for Ngog to finish clinically.

Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard came off the Liverpool bench late on, but there was no further scoring. The Merseysiders did go close with a couple of late efforts, as Martin Kelly had one shot which shaved the post, and the game was completed in relative comfort by Rafa Benitez's men.

Liverpool Play Down Injury Scare To Albert Riera

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez does not believe the ankle injury sustained by Albert Riera against FC Lyn last night is serious.

Riera had to be stretchered off after falling awkwardly during Liverpool's 2-0 win in Oslo.

It was the last thing Benitez needed on the day Xabi Alonso was unveiled as a Real Madrid player.

However, with nine days to go before the start of the new season, Benitez is confident 27-year-old Riera will be fit to face Tottenham on Aug 16.

Benitez said: "He twisted his ankle but I don't think it is serious. We had to take him off but it is always better to be careful about these things."

Meanwhile, midfielder Alberto Aquilani's medical today could prove to be a pivotal point in his career and Liverpool's future.

Benitez has identified the Italy international as the ideal replacement for Alonso, who completed his £30m move to Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Liverpool and Roma have already agreed a fee, believed to be in the region of £20m, but the 25-year-old must now pass the physical examination.

That will not be as straightforward as it might as the player, who made only 14 league appearances last season, has not played since Roma crashed out of the Champions League against Arsenal on March 11.

He underwent surgery on his right ankle in May but must prove he is over the injury if Liverpool are to justify spending two-thirds of their income from the Alonso deal.

Everything You Want To Know About Alberto Aquilani

Is He Worthy?

Potentially, Aquilani is the ideal player to replace Xabi Alonso. He has refined feet, an excellent positional sense and he also has a good shot on goal. The only doubt: his physical condition. Too often he has been out injured. In any case, he has the personality to play for a club like Liverpool, even though he will have to learn to be more consistent.

On The Pitch

Alberto Aquilani is a central midfielder with offensive tendencies, with good feet (he can use both, even though the right foot is his favourite). He has also been employed as a classical, between-the-lines playmaker, but he has shown his best form when given full control of the midfield.

He's a very dynamic player, he has a good long-range shot (many of his greatest goals have been efforts from outside the area) but he’s also good at getting into the area untracked. He makes his presence felt on the pitch, he has a good temperament, despite his injuries, he doesn’t exactly fear the physical battle and he has, like all Italians, a strong positional sense.

He almost never loses his head (even under pressure); this is demonstrated by relatively low yellow-card count (nine in the league since playing for Roma) and he has never been sent off.

Off The Pitch

Aquilani has always been described as a calm and reserved lad. Hailing from the Roman quarter of Montesacro (where he’s considered an idol), he doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, he’s a pretty simple person, very tied to his family (he has a tattoo with the initials of his closest family members). Then there is his girlfriend, actress Michela Quattrociocche, who has recently tattooed the player’s initials on her neck to show her love for Alberto.

He won’t have problems adjusting to England, even though certainly Rome was his home. He’s not the type who talks a lot in the dressing room or on the pitch. In the Eternal City he was very well liked. Being an intelligent person, he’ll manage to find his space also in Liverpool…

The Man & The Fans

Despite being just one year younger than Daniele De Rossi, Aquilani is still considered the boy in the group at Roma. The fans have always liked him, especially for being a Roman 100 per cent.

Obviously, compared to the likes Totti and De Rossi, the Roman people’s love for him is different. Aquilani was not considered to be on their level, but he was still very well seen by the Roma fans. The phrase most often said to describe him was: “He’s good, but too often injured…”

Potential

Roma needed to get some money. Few people thought it would be up to him to pack his bags, especially because he was considered a 'son of Rome'.

Nevertheless, Liverpool could certainly represent the ideal place for Aquilani to make a jump in quality. A new environment, a new coach, and a team that seems to suit his qualities. In Rome, each time he came on the pitch, he was called on to make the difference; in Liverpool, he’ll have more time.

Value For Money

The price paid by Liverpool for Aquilani (about £18 million) is good value, because the boy has much room for improvement and, above all else, was born in 1984.

Roma certainly have done a great deal economically, but if the player will do well on the pitch, Liverpool will also say that they have not spent too much.

The boy, on paper, is worth the money spent to bring him to Anfield.

Expert Opinions

Ubaldo Righetti (former AS Roma player, 1980-1987 and voice of Roma Channel): “Aquilani has not betrayed Roma, absolutely not. It was a painful choice, both for the club and the lad. He is from Rome, he loves Rome and he never would have left, but in life you have to make choices. Roma need money and the lad needs to have new experiences. The club has always taken care of him but they had reached a point where they had to make some decisions.

"I think Aquilani will do great things at Liverpool. English football is different to Italian football but Aquilani has characteristics that will allow him to adapt himself well. He just needs to find the consistency he lacked in Rome. Certainly he will need to adapt but, knowing him, I know he will do his best. If he finds continuity, he will do exceptional things at Liverpool.

"He’s going to a team of a very high level, one of the best clubs in the world, for him it’s a great new opportunity which he has to take with both hands.”

Attilio Tesser (Aquilani’s coach at Triestina, 2003-04): “He immediately showed he was not only able to play as a central midfielder but also in one of the vertices of a diamond formation, and he immediately showed great temperament. I’d also like to underline his very positive family environment. His parents are exceptional people.”

ONE MORE THING...

It’s said that, in the past, Aquilani almost became a Lazio player.

Here’s what he said in an exclusive interview to Calcio2000 – November 2007:

“I want to clear up this story about Lazio because it’s been talked about a lot. As a child I played with Spas Montesacro, my local team. One day I accompanied a friend of mine to the training, without even knowing that that team was a satellite club of Lazio.

"A Lazio observer asked me to train, I did it and, at the end of the training, they said they wanted to get me. But I did not sign anything with Lazio, I simply went to training with a friend.

"After refusing to join the Biancocelesti, I waited for a month, and then Roma proposed me to join their youth ranks. It should be clear to everyone: I don’t and never will support Lazio in any way.”

Benitez Hails Aquilani Addition

Liverpool closed in on the signing of Roma's Alberto Aquilani on Thursday with boss Rafael Benitez insisting the midfielder will "excite" the fans.

The 25-year-old Italy international also received the backing of former Liverpool defender John Arne Riise, a team-mate with the Rome club.

Aquilani is due on Merseyside for a medical and to complete a £20million deal that will give him a four-year contract.

Benitez, who has completed the sale of midfielder Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, said: "Roma have allowed us to talk with him, so that's good and positive. He is a player with the quality we are looking for.

"He can play a little bit higher (further forward) than Javier Mascherano - maybe between him and Steven Gerrard.

"He is a good passer, the final ball is good, and he also works. If he can settle down properly in England he can be a very good addition.

"I think the signing should excite the fans. He won the under-19 European Championship with his country, and the under-21 too. He has some trophies, including the Italian Cup.

"I always remember one game - England versus Italy Under-21s at Wembley, and he was man of the match in a 3-0 win."

Aquilani's departure from Roma comes with the club captain Francesco Totti claiming: "Alberto will be missed very much by everyone here."

Liverpool-Bound Alberto Aquilani Is ‘More Dangerous’ Than Xabi Alonso – Riise

John Arne Riise, a former Liverpool player now plying his trade at Roma, believes team-mate Alberto Aquilani has what it takes to be a success in the Premier League.

The Norwegian international, who has a thunderous left-footed shot, admitted to The Daily Express that upon his own move from Liverpool to Roma, he had little idea who Aquilani was, but it did not take long for him to learn of the Italian's ability.

Riise, 28, opined that Aquilani is the greater threat than Xabi Alonso, as he "runs more than Xabi" and gets into the box more.

“When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani," Riise stated. "I knew all about Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Philippe Mexes, of course, but Aquilani was the player who surprised me the most in my first months with what he could do.”

On the specific capabilities that make Aquilani stand out, Riise said, “He’s really good on the ball, with good passing, good movement, he works hard and is a good professional. He likes to have the ball at his feet but not because he likes to dribble, he just wants to keep the team moving. He never stands still, he’s always on the run.

“He certainly runs more than Xabi and is probably more dangerous in terms of getting in the box and trying to score goals.

“When I came to Rome he was my neighbour and helped me out a lot. He’s a good friend. Liverpool will be getting a very good player.”

Riise also believes it will not take long for Aquilani to adapt to a league that focuses more on pace, power and physicality than Serie A.

“There is an obvious difference between the Italian and English leagues. Here it is more tactical whereas in England you’re playing 90 minutes up and down, up and down, and there is more emphasis on power and physical force," the Norwegian explained.

“But Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t all about physique, and he has been the best player in the Premier League in recent seasons. Everyone can adapt. It just takes time. The key is how long it takes. I was lucky. I fitted in quite quickly when I joined from Monaco. Alberto is someone who wants to make the most of his talent and wants to prove himself, so if Liverpool come in for you, it is very hard to say no.”

Kuyt Promises Reds Will Fight On

Dirk Kuyt insists Liverpool will "fight on" following Xabi Alonso's £30million move to Real Madrid.

Spain international Alonso completed his move to the Bernabeu on Wednesday as he signed a five-year contract with the Primera Liga giants.

The departure of the influential midfielder has led some to question the Premier League title credentials of Liverpool, who are set to sign Roma's Alberto Aquilani as a replacement.

But while Kuyt recognises Alonso played an important role for the Reds, he insists the club can cope without his former team-mate.

The Dutch forward told Nettavisen after Wednesday's 2-0 friendly win over FC Lyn in Oslo: "Alonso has been great for Liverpool, but we will fight on."

Liverpool have suffered a disappointing pre-season and Kuyt recognises it was important to react to a recent 3-0 setback to Espanyol by defeating Lyn.

Rafa Benitez's team begin their league campaign at Tottenham on August 16 and Kuyt is confident last season's runners-up will be in good shape.

"We are happy with the result after the defeat against Espanyol," he told Liverpool's official website. "It's always good to have another game come up quickly and we won 2-0.

"Maybe it could have been a little bit more but at the end of the day it was a clean sheet and a good performance.

"Sometimes you lose to a team like Espanyol and you just have to get over it. There's still a week and a half to go until we play Spurs and that's the most important game for us.

"If we win against them then we've had a good pre-season - if we lose, we've had a bad pre-season."

Kuyt has captained Liverpool a couple of times in pre-season but, while he feels privileged, he acknowledges he is behind Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher in rank of command.

"It means a lot to be captain of Liverpool," he said. "Obviously I know that Stevie is No.1 and we have Jamie as well.

"With so many changes in pre-season everyone needs to play and I've had the armband a couple of times - it's a great honour."

Anas Sharbini & Mario Mandzukic: Rafa Eyes Free-Scoring Croatian Duo For Liverpool

Reports in Croatia suggest Liverpool are closing in on Croatian duo Anas Sharbini and Mario Mandzukic in the wake of the sale of Xabi Alonso.

The latest Croat star to be linked with a move to the Premier League is 22-year-old NK Rijeka midfield star Anas Sharbini. Celtic reportedly made a tentative enquiry in January but Liverpool are being strongly linked in the Croatian press after the sale of Xabi Alonso. The player should also be available at a knock-down £3m as his contract expires at the end of the 2009/10 season.

Sharbini’s talent was brought to public attention in the 2007/08 season after a superb campaign in which the attacking midfielder scored 11 goals in 28 League appearances (27 starts). This superb form led to a call up to the Croatian national squad as a reserve in case of injuries for Euro 2008. He’s yet to play for his country at full international level but recently earned a call-up after impressing in the U21 side.

The young star enjoyed another excellent season in 2008/09 with 14 League goals in 27 League appearances but is reported to be desperate to leave the club. Sharbini’s goal tally was only bettered by two other players last season. The talented star has started the 2009/10 season in sensational style with a hat-trick in the club’s opening league match and a further strike in their Europa League qualifying defeat to Ukrainian outfit Metalist. Dinamo Zagreb are said to be keen but potential suitors include Liverpool, Ajax, West Ham, Salzburg, Hamburg, Aston Villa and Trabzonspor.

Sharbini is a technically gifted, quick, two-footed playmaker and could prove a bargain buy for a number of clubs needing to add creativity to their ranks for a knock-down price. Rafa Benitez is looking to strengthen his midfield options with bargain buys and the fact the youngster can also play in Steven Gerrard’s 2nd striker position is an added bonus.

The Croatian star’s father was born in Damascus but moved to Rijeka in the 1980’s, therefore Sharbini could have opted for Syria at international level but instead chose the country of his and his mother’s birth. At 5 ft 11 he is not as lightweight as compatriot Luka Modric so may settle quicker in terms of the physical nature of British football. He is also renowned for his set-piece capabilities and has been tagged the ‘new Boban’ by the Croatian press which is high praise indeed.

Interest is growing in one of Croatia’s brightest young talents Mario Mandzukic this summer. The Dinamo Zagreb striker was expected to move to Werder Bremen but reports in the German and Croatian media suggest the deal has fallen through due to the player’s price-tag thought to be £12.8m.

The player’s agent Ivan Cvjetkovic has confirmed that the player wants out. He told German newspaper Bild, “We have told Dinamo that Mario wants to leave the club.”

A stumbling block may be the players recent appearance in the Champions League qualifiers although the club’s exit at the hands of Austrian champions Salzburg means the club are more likely to sell.

Interest in England has been growing and the player revealed his ambition when he declared, “My goal is to join a strong club where I will continue to progress.”

Mandzukic finished as top goal scorer in the Croatian league following 16 goals in 28 league appearances (27 starts). This haul didn’t include any penalties and explains why he is so highly-rated in his homeland and now Europe. He has started this season in the same vein with 2 goals in his first two league appearances and a strike one goal in Europe. The 23-year-old joined Dinamo in the summer of 2007 as a replacement for Arsenal bound Eduardo da Silva and has been a big success after scoring 29 goals in 59 league appearances for the current Croatian champions.

The 6 ft 1 striker was born in Slavonski Brod but started his career with German outfit Ditzingen before returning to his homeland to join NK Marsonia. Mandzukic did not feature in the first team before leaving to join NK Zagreb. In two seasons with the club, the tall striker scored 14 league goals in 51 appearances before Dinamo made their 1.3 million Euro move.

Mandzukic finished last season in excellent form with 8 goals in his last 10 league appearances and has proven to be a huge success as Dinamo have won back to back league and cup doubles since he joined. He’s renowned as an excellent finisher who is sharp in the box and is now a regular member of the Croatian international squad.

The 23-year-old has scored once in 5 international appearances and that goal came against England in the 4-1 home qualifying defeat back in September 2008. He’d been on the pitch just 6 minutes when he scored.

Man City were linked with the striker when Sven Goran Eriksson was in charge. Portsmouth and Tottenham have also had the exciting new striking talent scouted on numerous occasions. He would be an excellent alternative to Fernando Torres at Liverpool as he is capable of playing the lone striker role and is an excellent link-up man.

Why Liverpool Had To Sell Xabi Alonso To Catch Manchester United

Allowing a player of the quality of Xabi Alonso to leave is never done lightly.

But his departure may not be the disaster many Liverpool supporters believe it to be.

Rafa Benitez has already re-invested £15million of the Alonso cash in Roma’s Alberto Aquilani, who the Liverpool boss hopes could be the key to the Premier League title.

Benitez could yet live to regret the decision to sell to Real Madrid, even given the admirably inflated price-tag of more than £30million, but beyond the inevitable disappointment of losing such a popular player, the Anfield boss has compelling reasons to cash in.

When he looked at last season’s failed title challenge Benitez will have identified three areas that needed surgery. Two were obvious, at full back and wide midfield.

But the third will surprise many fans, who assume that the club’s midfield was their strength last term. On the surface, the Alonso-Javier Mascherano partnership was one of the strongest in the Premier League, but a closer look at the statistics from last season suggest otherwise, given the importance of the two base midfielders in the diamond formation all top teams now employ.

Between them, the pair scored just THREE league goals all season. Compare that to Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher at United who managed seven in a side who got goals from all over the field.

What Fletcher and Carrick also provided was an ability to get forward into the penalty area unmarked, and beyond the opposition back line into space, which created numerous chances for United.

For Liverpool, who beat Lyn Oslo 2-0 last night, neither Alonso nor Mascherano could do that, because their style in sitting deep is so similar.

But it is crucial when Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres are always so heavily marked to exploit the space afforded to other players deeper in the midfield.

It seems the Liverpool boss decided that Mascherano has the edge because of his mobility and aggression in fulfilling the covering role both must do.

The Anfield manager has been left casting around for a midfielder who can pass and defend, and still get forward beyond the opposition back line.

Aquilani appears to have those qualities, but Italians have not always been successful in the Premier League, and his injury record is a cause for concern.

There is one other part of the equation though, that does suggest it is a disastrous time for Liverpool.

So far, the Spanish coach has raised in excess of £40m by selling players this summer, and that could exceed £50m if he sells Ryan Babel or Andrea Dossena.

If Aquilani passes a medical, at a fee of £15m it will only take the manager’s spending to just over £30m.

Depressingly, that suggests Liverpool’s finances are not going on the players required for the push to get beyond United, but on the club’s mounting debts.

Xabi Alonso Hails Liverpool FC Fans For Five Years Of Support

Xabi Alonso bade Liverpool a fond farewell after completing his move to Real Madrid last night – admitting it will be “really difficult” for the Bernabeu fans to match his reception at Anfield.

Alonso was presented as a Real player last night after signing a five-year contract after Madrid finally met Liverpool’s valuation of around £30million.

And after completing his medical at the Bernabeu, 27-year-old Spanish international said: “I am very grateful to Liverpool fans, they were very warm during my five years. It will be really difficult to match their appreciation.

“I really enjoyed those five years, but a few months ago I took that decision as I thought it was the right moment to find a fresh challenge, to look for a new club.

“That’s when Real Madrid came along. Luckily a deal has been done and I’m very happy.

“It is a personal challenge I felt is necessary for my football career.”

Alonso was unveiled at the club’s training ground yesterday evening, then joined dup with his new team-mates for their evening session.

“It’s a very happy day for me,” Alonso added. “It’s an important step in my career to come to a club like Real Madrid.

“I’m very happy to be part of this club and I was very excited for this day to arrive.”

Reports suggest Alonso’s relationship with Rafa Benitez disintegrated after he professed his desire to leave.

However, Alonso insists he has nothing but respect for his former boss.

“I have repeated over and over again that the relationship was a professional one, of mutual respect, a normal one between coach and player,” he said.

“I respect him and thank him for the opportunity he gave me.

“The goodbyes were quite brief, everything happened very quickly and I didn’t have time to say goodbye properly. I want to return to say goodbye to my team-mates and Rafa.”

Liverpool Agree Fee With Roma For Alberto Aquilani

Liverpool have agreed a fee with Roma, thought to be around £20 million, for the transfer of Italy midfielder Alberto Aquilani.

The Premier League club confirmed a deal had been struck on Wednesday afternoon, hours after Xabi Alonso completed his £30 million move from Liverpool to Real Madrid.

It appears that the deal for Aquilani had been in place, ready to be finalised once Alonso passed his medical at the Bernabeu.

Aquilani, 25, was heading to Merseyside on Wednesday afternoon and will have a medical on Thursday.

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez said: "Alberto is a very good player and I'm delighted we've reached agreement with Roma for his transfer.

"Alberto has a winning mentality and great experience in both Serie A and the Champions League.

"He has long been recognised as a top-class talent in Italy, captaining his country at both Under-19 and Under-21 levels before establishing himself in the senior national side."

Aquilani was believed to be top of Rafael Benitez's list of potential replacements for Alonso. Liverpool have been able to take advantage of Roma's financial difficulties in capturing a player who was a favourite of the Roma fans.

He can play in the position left vacant by Alonso - alongside Javier Mascherano in front of the back four.

As a 16-year-old, Aquilani was offered contracts by both Arsenal and Chelsea but wanted to fulfil his boyhood dream of playing for Roma.

He made his first-team debut at 18, when Fabio Capello was manager, but has been troubled by various injuries since becoming a Roma regular.

Aquilani's fitness may be a concern, so the medical will be key to the deal being completed. The player has been sidelined since surgery on his right ankle in May.

He last featured for Roma on March 11 when the Serie A club crashed out of the Champions League to Arsenal, and the fact he made only 14 league appearances last season because of fitness problems must be a concern at Anfield.

Roma great Giuseppe Giannini said this week that Aquilani could be a success at Anfield.

"Aquilani would do well at Liverpool," said Giannini. "He would not have any problems adapting to the Premier League. English football is perfect for Aquilani.

"He has all the right characteristics to do well there. He will show Liverpool what he is all about.

"I have no doubts that Liverpool will sign a great player in Aquilani. I think his future will be in the Premier League."

Alonso Completes £30m Real Move

Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso has completed his £30m transfer to big-spending Real Madrid from Liverpool after passing a medical on Wednesday.

The Reds revealed on Tuesday a deal had been struck but added the terms would remain confidential.

Alonso, 27, joined Liverpool from Real Sociedad in August 2004 for £10.5m.

Technical director Jorge Valdano said the capture of Alonso would signal the end of Real Madrid's buying spree which has now seen them spend over £200m.

"With this signing, the chapter is now closed on transfers," said Valdano.

"Before the start of the pre-season, the coach Manuel Pellegrini told us it was necessary to strengthen two positions: the defence and the midfield, and that is what we have done."

Alonso becomes the second Liverpool player to join the Spanish giants after full-back Alvaro Arbeloa's £3.5m switch to the Bernabeu in July.

Real, under the guidance of returning president Florentino Perez, have embarked on an ambitious rebuilding programme this summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo arrived from Manchester United in a world record £80m deal, Brazilian playmaker Kaka was bought from AC Milan for £56m and Real have also spent £30m to sign France striker Karim Benzema from Lyon.

In addition, defender Raul Albiol was signed from Valencia as Real look to build a squad capable of challenging for honours at both home and abroad.

Rivals Barcelona completed a clean sweep of domestic trophies in Spain last season, while Real have failed to progress beyond the last 16 of the Champions League for the past five seasons.

Alonso's transfer to the La Liga club brings to an end Real's long pursuit of the Spanish international.

In July, Real sporting director Miguel Pardeza was quoted as saying "Madrid don't discard an option until it is truly impossible" after reports suggested Liverpool wanted £50m for the midfielder.

It is believed Real returned with an offer of £30m that could rise to £34m, depending on Alonso's success in Spain.

He will join former Liverpool goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek at the Bernabeu, leaving only Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher from Liverpool's 18-man squad that won the Champions League in 2005.

Alonso and Dudek were both part of the side that dramatically fought back from 3-0 down against AC Milan to win the trophy in a penalty shoot-out, Alonso scoring Liverpool's third and equalising goal on 59 minutes.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez had tried to sell the Spanish international last summer as he looked to fund a move for midfielder Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.

However, Alonso did not want to move and a deal for Barry eventually fell through, with Alonso going on to play a key role as Liverpool finished second in the Premier League.

Rafael Benitez: Liverpool Eyeing 'The Best Replacement' For Xabi Alonso

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has revealed that the club are searching for "the best replacement" for Xabi Alonso.

The Anfield club have agreed to sell the Spanish midfielder to Real Madrid for a fee believed to be in the region of €34 million and the 27-year-old is all set to be unveiled at the Bernabeu having completed his medical.

Glen Johnson is the only major arrival at Liverpool thus far this summer after he joined the club from Portsmouth, although Andriy Voronin has returned from Hertha Berlin, where he spent last season on-loan.

Spanish giants Real Madrid also raided the Merseyside club for full-back Alvaro Arbeloa last week as they seek to regain a grip on the La Liga title.

The likes of Alberto Aquilani and Christian Poulsen have been sounded out as potential targets for the Reds and while Benitez is disappointed to have lost Alonso, he has revealed that finding a suitable replacement for the Euro 2008 winner is now at the top of his agenda.

"We would like to keep him [Xabi Alonso], but as soon as he told us that he wanted to leave we started working, looking for players and trying to do the best deal for the club," the former Valencia boss told the club's official website.

"It has been too long, since May, that he told us he wanted to leave and after the official transfer request we were working very hard.

"The first idea was to keep him, and the second one was to find the best price and the best replacement for us."

Xabi Alonso - Incredible But Not Irreplaceable For Liverpool

Real Madrid are in the process of adding what they feel is the final piece of an elaborate and expensive summer puzzle, signing deep-lying playmaker Xabi Alonso in a €34 million deal. In doing so, they could be taking a key element away form Liverpool by swooping for their long-unsettled dark horse.

The story behind Alonso finally handing in a transfer request and booking a one-way ticket to Madrid, despite have a crucial role to play in Liverpool's 'to be continued' domestic resurgence, is a bitter one.

The inside scoop appears to be thus: the relationship between Alonso and Anfield gaffer Rafael Benitez first soured when the boss fell out with former assistant Paco Ayestaran, who was axed upon embracing Jose Mourinho at the height of Rafa's feud with the ex-Chelsea tactician.

Ayestaran and Alonso were reportedly very close, and in the aftermath Benitez saw Alonso's support of the assistant as a further sign of disloyalty. Then came the infamous scenario wherein Alonso decided to attend the birth of his son rather than be with the Reds as they faced Inter in the Champions League, further infuriating Rafa, who had already been sending hints to the midfielder suggesting that he wanted him out.

Strike three, of course, was Liverpool's botched pursuit of Gareth Barry, and although time and the highs of last season have served to heal some of the damage between player and manager, the wounds would appear to have run too deep.

That's not to say that Xabi won't take many fond memories away from Merseyside. He was able to blossom with the club, whilst adding technical quality to what was a rough-and-ready side when he joined. He won the Champions League and the European Super Cup in 2005, and playing in England certainly didn't stop him from achieving international success, winning Euro 2008 with Spain.

So how much will Liverpool really miss Xabi? He appears cold and calculating on and off the field; you'll rarely get a smile out of him, much less an inspirational team-talk. However, he's said to be warmer than he appears on the surface around his team-mates, yet from that point of view the Reds surely aren't losing a massive leadership presence.

Still, the guy must have something about him beyond raw football ability, as a great many footballers have all the talent in the world, yet lack the other great intangibles needed to lead a team – and Xabi has done that even without appearing to have the personality to do so. Last season, the bestubbled maestro had a big hand in helping the Reds to cruise without Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres during their periods of injury. Furthermore, 'Pool have won 67% of their games with Alonso in the side and just 46% when without.

In terms of a replacement, though, the man under the microscope is Roma's Alberto Aquilani. He is another player blessed with natural footballing attributes, but his mentality has come under even more scrutiny than Alonso's, and that's even before worrying about his perma-crock label. The positives are obvious, though: Benitez should be able to mould him without friction as he adjusts to England; he's an unknown quantity to the rest of the 'Big Four', who know the ins-and-outs of Alonso's game.

Rafa isn't daft, of course – he'll know that Aquilani isn't going to step in as a ready-made replacement for Alonso any more than Antonio Valencia is going to win the Ballon d'Or at Manchester United. If he's missing a trick, it's perhaps that he could have replaced Alonso with a much more obvious personality, and given his side one more big, bold shunt in the direction of the Premier League crown. Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Javier Mascherano and Fernando Torres all plot the Reds' course in their own way, but the Premier League trophy still had the wrong red ribbons on it last term.

Gareth Barry, of course, may just have been the man for the job – but then again it would be naive to claim that Liverpool would win the title with Barry in place of Alonso. Short of Cesc Fabregas – and probably not even then – that like-for-like switcheroo perhaps wouldn't be enough.

Luckily, Xabi's departure and the timely cash injection could nudge Benitez outside the box, and the likes of Valencia's David Silva or Aston Villa's Ashley Young could re-enter his thoughts. Someone as versatile as Silva would be preferable, it must be said: his comfort on the ball and willingness to track back would fill more holes than a winger such as Young. Such an X-factor, following the exciting addition of Glen Johnson as a high-octane right-back, could potentially make this into a championship winning side.

Rafa's bow remains impressive, and lets not forget that this is a team who came second in the Premier League, despite having some set-backs that would have damaged lesser teams further. After a half-dozen games, Xabi's void may be evident and questions might be asked. However, if his departure gives Rafa the impetus to round off his team and make them a more complete attacking force, especially at home, then surely the fans will be able to close a complicated chapter quickly.