John Arne Riise knows exactly how Liverpool fans are feeling.
He knew little about Alberto Aquilani when swapping Anfield for life in the Eternal City last summer, but believes that, like him, everyone at Liverpool will quickly be won over by Roma’s gifted Italy midfielder.
Few are better placed to pass judgment on whether he can cut it on Merseyside than Norway defender Riise, who spent seven years at Liverpool before moving to join Luciano Spalletti’s Serie A and Champions League contenders last summer.
There is no point in the hordes on the Kop expecting Aquilani to be a carbon copy of Alonso given the Spaniard’s “unique†ability to pass the ball was the reason behind Real’s costly pursuit of him.
Yet Riise claims Aquilani, who came through the youth ranks at Roma and was given his senior debut by Fabio Capello, can offer different qualities that will help Liverpool overcome Alonso’s departure and maintain the quest for a first league championship in 20 years.
“When I first came to Roma, I didn’t know a thing about Aquilani,†said Riise, who was sold for £4million after 347 games and 31 goals for Liverpool.
“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.
“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.â€
Aquilani’s campaign last season was interrupted by an injury to his right ankle that required surgery in May and restricted him to just 14 appearances.
In Italy he is regarded as being blessed with outstanding technical ability but someone with low pain threshold; a player who would already be a world star if he possessed the combative mind-set of team-mate De Rossi.
How long Aquilani, whose girlfriend is TV actress Michela Quattrociocche, needs to adapt to the hurly-burly of the Premier League will be key to both his, and Liverpool’s, prospects. “There is an obvious difference between the Italian and English leagues,†said Riise. “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. 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 came 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.â€
As a result of Aquilani’s impending arrival, Liverpool are likely to be more offensive-minded this seaso in a bid to eradicate the draws, such as those at home against Stoke, Hull and Fulham, that ultimately cost them the title last term.
“Last season I was so sure they would do it. They made a fantastic start but drew some games and United got stronger,†said Riise. “I really hope they can do it this time. Xabi and Alvaro Arbeloa leaving is a shame, but Glen Johnson is a brilliant signing.
“All the Premier League games are shown on Sky Italia, and I managed to watch every Liverpool game last season. The club is in my heart. I had all my highlights at Liverpool. I still speak with Stevie [Gerrard] and Carra [Jamie Carragher], as well as Pepe Reina and Dirk Kuyt.
“The first months for me at Roma were hard, learning a new language and settling in, but I am happy here and enjoying it. We can hve a really good season and I hope Liverpool can, too.â€
With a little help from Aquilani along the way.