Javier Mascherano believes Alberto Aquilani has the quality to make Liverpool fans stop ruing the departure of 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. Aquilani, a £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.
And fellow midfielder Mascherano reckons the 25-year-old can, given time, fill Alonso's shoes. Mascherano said: "We have to forget Alonso. You cannot find two players doing the same things in the world."
He added: "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."
Mascherano is aware that when Aquilani gains full fitness after an ankle operation, the competition for places in midfield will increase.
Brazilian youngster Lucas seems the most likely player to give way, but Mascherano said: "I always have to fight for a place with my team-mates.
"As a player, when you have competition it's really good for everyone. You have to fight for recognition and everyone tries to work hard so that is good for the team."
