Rafael Benitez has told Liverpool fans they have something special in Alberto Aquilani.

The Spanish coach paid £20million to take the midfielder from Roma in the summer, shortly after fans favourite Xabi Alonso was sold to Real Madrid.

Aquilani has yet to make his debut for the Reds due to ankle surgery, but Benitez has assured the fans that the Italian will be a key player when he does eventually feature.

"Alberto is running again and when we travel to play Fiorentina this week he will stay behind to continue his rehabilitation programme," he told to The Daily Mirror.

"I know the fans are frustrated but we have signed a good player with talent. Xabi was a player who received the ball and played long and short passes.

“Aquilani wants to play higher up the pitch than that. He wants to be in the final third so that he can create chances. In that respect, he is better than Alonso."

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