Rafa Benitez claims, new Liverpool signing, Alberto Aquilani is better than Xabi Alonso when it comes to passing the ball.

The former AS Roma playmaker is still out with a long-term injury but has started to take part in some light training in the past week.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Benitez said: "Alberto is running again and when we travel to play Fiorentina in the Champions League this week he will stay behind to continue with his rehabilitation programme,

"I know the fans are frustrated but we have signed a good player with talent and I never worried that we would have to wait for him to be fit.

"Xabi was a player who received the ball and played long and short passes. Aquilani wants to play higher up the pitch than that.

"He wants to be in the final third so that he can create chances.

"In that respect, playing passes to give the strikers the chance to score, he is better than Alonso."

The Spaniard manager was adamant that his new recruit will provide his team with an added dimension when he finally makes his debut.

"When he is fit the team will be more dangerous because he has the ability to find Torres and Gerrard with passes that will give them more chances to score

"He is ahead of schedule for his comeback, but we must be careful with him."