Ian Rush interview: Aquilani has not done enough for Liverpool

By David Maddock in Mirror Football Blog

Published 23:00 23/02/10

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Alberto Aquilani has been told he has not delivered for Liverpool.

That’s the blunt assessment of Kop idol Ian Rush who says the £20million Italy midfielder has only shown glimpses of his ability.

Aquilani was supposed to make the Reds more attacking when he was brought in to replace fans’ favourite Xabi Alonso last summer.

But the reality is that Liverpool have gone 29 games since they scored three or more goals - their longest run since 1969.

Rush claims Aquilani needs to start producing to help Liverpool end this sequence and silence his growing number of doubters.

“Few Liverpool players have been discussed as much this season as Alberto Aquilani,” said the Liverpool legend.

“As the man signed to replace Xabi Alonso, it was inevitable that he would find himself under the spotlight and there have been some encouraging glimpses from him.

“Has he really done enough though? The simple answer, sadly, has to be no.

“One bold display against Tottenham apart, he has found things very difficult and he is in desperate need of a big effort very soon to ease some of the mounting pressure.”

Aquilani, 25, who missed the first three months of the season as he recovered from ankle surgery, has not scored in his 15 appearances for Liverpool and Rush feels he needs to throw off his shackles and be more adventurous with his passing.

Rafa Benitez signed him from Roma because of his playmaking abilities and Rush feels he has been too cautious.

“Aquilani can clearly pass the ball well, but, at the minute, he seems very much of the safety-first mindset, heading backwards and sideways rather than forwards,” said the former Juventus striker.

“If he gets a chance to start on Thursday night against Unirea in the Europa League, he simply must grasp it with both hands.”

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