Profile

Alberto Aquilani is a central midfield playmaker who is currently on a season-long loan at AC Milan.

The Italy international penned a five-year deal at Anfield in August 2009 following the departure of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid.

As a 16-year-old star in the making, Aquilani spurned lucrative advances from Chelsea and Arsenal to kick off his football career with hometown club Roma.

He made his Serie A debut for Fabio Capello's side in May 2003 before spending the following season on loan at Serie B outfit Triestina, notching 41 appearances and scoring four goals in the process.

Aquilani's return to Rome saw a gradual introduction into the first team and he really made his mark in a 2-0 derby victory over Lazio in February 2006, showcasing his technical prowess by netting a spectacular long-range drive.

His impressive performances earned him the No.8 shirt in time for the start of Roma's 2006-07 campaign.

Sadly, injury was to keep him on the sidelines for most of the season but not before he won his first full Italy cap in November 2006 in a friendly against Turkey.

Aquilani was back on the pitch for a two-legged Coppa Italia final against Inter Milan in May 2007, helping his side to a 7-4 aggregate victory.

Further success representing his country came in the 2007 European U21 Championships in the Netherlands, where he scored two goals and was named in UEFA's Team of the Tournament.

A host of eye-catching Champions League appearances for Roma and a brace of goals for Italy in a World Cup qualifier against Montenegro in October 2008 helped persuade Rafael Benitez to splash out on Aquilani ahead of the 2009-10 campaign despite a long-term ankle problem.

Our new No.4 spent his first few months at Melwood in the treatment room before earning a long-awaited bow as a substitute in the Carling Cup fourth round clash at Arsenal on October 28, 2009.

This was one of 26 appearances for Aquilani during a debut season which also brought two goals.

He spent the 2010-11 season on loan at Juventus before returning to Melwood in the summer of 2011.

However, in August of the same year, it was confirmed Aquilani had returned to Italy to join AC Milan on loan. The deal includes an option to make the move a permanent one.