Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is convinced Alberto Aquilani can succeed at Anfield.

The £17million summer signing from Roma has had an indifferent start to his Anfield career as an ankle injury prevented him from making his Barclays Premier League debut until early November.

But Benitez said: "In the first year, especially because he has been injured for a long time, to manage him and find the right position for him was not easy because the Premier League is very strong and physical.

"But in this position he has freedom and with Gerrard behind him they can pass to each other.

"Aquilani can pass the ball and when the game is open like in the second half (against Burney) he can move and give good assists."