The Scouting Report: Spain v Italy

HIT: DAVID SILVA
Verdict: Linked with a move to Liverpool last week, the diminutive Valencia midfield player is making Europe's biggest clubs sit up and take notice at this tournament. As far as his suitability to English football is concerned, there are, inevitably, questions about his size and strength, but he more than held his own for 90 minutes against a physical Italy team. Always looking for a clever pass and more often than not providing it, he would be an ideal addition for a team looking to add another dimension to their attacking play. Can Liverpool afford him? Probably not.

MISS: ALBERTO AQUILANI
Verdict: Like Silva, the Roma midfield player has already been linked with a move to the Premier League - in his case, Arsenal - but, watching him in Vienna on Sunday, it was hard to see precisely what kind of player he is. Roberto Donadoni, the Italy coach, talked up his performance afterwards, but that appraisal seemed to be based on generosity - and, in another way, self-preservation - rather than a sincere assessment of Aquilani's contribution. Deployed on the right wing in a 4-1-4-1 formation and in a team that at times seemed to lack the ability to retain possession, he, like several of his team-mates, was reduced to running and chasing rather than trying to play football. The new Aleksandr Hleb? In front of the watching Arsene Wenger, it did not seem so, but it would be far easier to play football at Arsenal - or indeed for Roma - than in this unlovable Italy team.

Oliver Kay

Comments

[Rob]

The new Hleb?

He's a defensive midfielder, if he went Arsenal he would have replaced Flamini.

I love how you ask a question only to answer it yourself...NOT.

[luke]

Speaking of flops - Fernando Torres.

[Massimo]

Frankly speeking...Josh you comment is..... I can't find a world...
NONSENSE? My God....

[Josh]

There was one little incident that let me know what type of player Aquilani is - a dirty, sneaky, gamesmanship-defender. Brilliant piece of cheating from him, where he grabbed the arm of the player (Villa?) tussling with him for the ball, held and pulled it, but grabbed *his own* shirt in the same hand so it looked like Villa was the one holding him back. He'll never come to the Premiership, hopefully.