Aquilani: Wolves perfect preparation for Villa

Alberto Aquilani today hailed Liverpool's morale-boosting success over Wolves as the perfect preparation for their season defining clash with Aston Villa.

The Reds' Italian midfielder made his first Premier League start on Boxing Day and showed some neat touches as Rafa Benitez's side ground out a crucial 2-0 win.

Victory, though, was imperative for Liverpool, in order to keep tabs on the sides who have crept away from them in the race for a top four place during the past month.

It has been a difficult first half of the season, both for Aquilani and the team, but he is convinced three points at Villa Park will set them up for a New Year winning spree.

Now he is waiting to see whether Benitez gives him the chance to build on his outing against Wolves in the most important game they have played since he has been fully fit.

"I really enjoyed the game as it was important for me; I want to improve my fitness," said Aquilani, whose only other start came against Fiorentina in the Champions League.

"It was so different to anything I have experienced, as it was so quick and you never really had much time. The football we played was so fast.

"The most important thing, however, was that we won. We need to improve our confidence and we need to keep winning games to move up the table.

"It is crucial to take things step by step but our aim is now to win three, four and five games in a row. If we can do that, we will see where that takes us.

"Now we have to face Aston Villa and it is a very important game for our season but we are feeling good and it is important that we try to win."

Should Liverpool achieve back-to-back victories in the Premier League for the first time since September, it will thrust them firmly back into the race for fourth spot.

But even though Villa have enjoyed a rich vein of form during the past month, Aquilani's midfield companion Lucas sees no reason why the Reds should be afraid.

He feels the win over Wolves will give Liverpool's players renewed belief.

"We are happy because we really needed the three points," he said. "We played well and deserved to win. Now we have to build some momentum and get our confidence back.

"We have an important game with Villa and we know that if we beat them we will be closer. Like I have said before, every game is like a cup final for us.

"We must keep working hard to try and win some matches. Villa will be a difficult game but we will make sure we are ready to get the three points.

"When you aren't winning or playing as well as you can then you are going to get criticism, that's normal. We know we have a good squad and good team."

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