Aquilani's a big gamble for Benitez.

Byline: FENCE

FOR a manager prone to caution, Rafael Benitez appears to be taking a huge gamble on a pounds 20m midfielder even more prone to injury.

The Liverpool boss has promised that Xabi Alonso''s replacement Alberto Aquilani will excite supporters - and the impressive footage of the player on the video sharing internet site YouTube certainly backs up Benitez.

However, even the wretched Lucas is made to look like a world beater by some carefully selected highlights on the same website. Perhaps a more accurate method of assessing the new signing''s credentials is to examine the reaction of Roma supporters.

Tellingly, while the rumoured exit of their French defender and one-time Anfield target Philippe Mexes prompted angry protests at the training ground in May, fans of the financially troubled club seem to have reluctantly accepted the sale of Aquilani as good business for a play-

Alberto ewho has spent more time of late on the treatment table than the football field.

Scouring the fans forums, it was clear that Aquilani was adored but the impression was of a player who, at the age of 25, has yet to recognise his potential and would struggle with the physical demands of the Premier League.

Worryingly, one message board had an entire thread just dedicated to his catalogue of injuries.

There are few things Benitez loves more than a good statistic. The number of league games Aquilani has been restricted to by various ailments in the past four seasons, though, will make uncomfortable reading for the Spaniard.

Since 2005, the Italy international hasn''t managed to play in more than 25 league matches in one season and has not featured for Roma since March because of an ankle injury that required surgery.

Liverpool were keen to stress that Aquilani''s transfer would be subject to a rigorous medical.

But the Anfield medical will consist of the same series of tests that both the permanently crocked Philipp Degen (one player so bad even YouTube can do nothing for) and Fabio Aurelio sailed through without concern.

Many pundits expressed surprise at Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson recruiting Michael Owen on a free because of the England striker''s injury-prone reputation. But the injury record of Aquilani, who will be Liverpool''s second most expensive ever signing behind Fernando Torres, is even worse.

One hope for Benitez is that some pundits attribute Aquilani''s misfortune to the training methods of Roma coach Luciano Spalleti, which have contributed to a large number of his squad suffering similar strains.

With the player already 25 it might be a lot to ask, but if the Liverpool manager can eradicate Aquilani''s injury problems, he would seem to have acquired an exceptionally talented playmaker.

Aquilani

CAPTION(S):

Alberto Aquilani Rafa Benitez needs to ensure midfielder Alberto Aquilani can stay fit