Javier Mascherano believes Alberto Aquilani has the quality to step into the shoes of the recently departed Xabi Alonso. Alonso left Anfield for Real Madrid in the summer and Liverpool's poor start to the season has been attributed in some quarters to the Spaniard's departure.
The £20million summer signing from Roma, has seen his start to his Reds career hampered by injury, but is likely to be involved in Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at home to Arsenal.
Mascherano said: "We have to forget Alonso. You cannot find two players doing the same things in the world.
"Aquilani will give us everything he can and if he is fit he will be really good for us.
"Now little by little he'll increase his confidence and learn about English football, because it's totally different, but I think he will be really good for Liverpool."
