Aurelio better than Xabi!

[Montse]

Aurelio can be a pass masterJul 7 2006

 

 

 

 

By David Prentice, Liverpool Echo

 

 

LIVERPOOL have snapped up a Brazilian free-kick specialist who can pass the ball even better than Xabi Alonso!

 

The glowing tribute to new left-back Fabio Aurelio came today from boss Rafa Benitez, who has introduced his latest capture at Melwood this week.

 

The 26-year-old joined the Reds on a four-year deal, after his contract at Valencia - where he spent six years - ended this summer.

 

Alonso has been ahuge hit at An-field since Benitez made him his first signing. He is renowned for his passing range and accuracy for both Liverpool and Spain but Benitez believes Aurelio is in the same class as his gifted midfielder.

 

Benitez, who had Aurelio in his two La Liga winning sides of 2002 and 2004, was thrilled to be reunited with the player.

 

 

"Aurelio is a left full back or a left winger with a lot of quality," he declared.

 

 

"He can cross the ball superbly and he is maybe a better passer of the ball than Xabi Alonso.

 

 

"People will say 'oh really?' But you will see the quality of his crosses and passes with his left foot.

 

 

"He is also fantastic at set pieces.

 

 

"We will have to wait and see how he adapts to the English Premiership because he is Brazilian, butheis professional and I think he can be a good signing.

 

 

"If he has a little bit of luck with injuries he can be a very good player."

 

 

Aurelio is one of two new defensive signings unveiled at Melwood this week - along with young centre-half Gabriel Paletta.

 

 

"Gabriel is totally different to Fabio," added Benitez

 

 

"He is more aggressive, very competitive and is good in the air. I always say he is similar to Carra, but he is a player who will need some time because he needs to improve.

 

 

"He also needs to learn the language, buthe can be very good for us."

 

 

ere

 

Now this I cant wait to see!

 

Do you think he will go straight into the 1st team or be used as back up for Riise?

[Guest ziggystardust]

aurellio is not a back up player

[CarraLegend]

Wouldnt surprise me if he is as good/better passer (Despite Xabi already being one of the best in the World), every report from Spanish fans or on websites ive read about him say he is technically phenomenol it's just injuries and being a little bit dodgy defensively at times which have f***ed him up. I think he'll be starting myself.

Edited July 7, 2006 by CarraLegend

[Falconhoof]

Very very exciting indeed.

 

Riise might have a job on his hands getting in the team.

[Ginu]

Who was the Spanish lad the other day saying we can say we have the most technically gifted left back in the league now.

 

Fantastic.

 

Aurellio, Bellamy and Gonzales - pure direct pace

 

Add Alves to that and what a summer it will have been

 

the first three of which we've signed for a grand total of 6m (this year)

[jimmylibel]

Who was the Spanish lad the other day saying we can say we have the most technically gifted left back in the league now.

 

Fantastic.

 

Aurellio, Bellamy and Gonzales - pure direct pace

 

Add Alves to that and what a summer it will have been

 

Don't go there - it's too depressing.

[David Hodgson]

I'm the only one who's said that as far as I know. I didn't say he would, just that he could. He's played more football in midfield than at left back in the last couple of years.

 

Ah, it was you was it ? Don't think you were alone. Regardless he may be able to play the position but I don't get the impression from Rafa's interview that he sees Fabio playing in the centre. Soooo, back at the Hamann thread...we need more cover in central mid....