Arsene Wenger scouted Liverpool new boy Alberto Aquilani a couple of years ago - and so did we.

Here's what we though of the Italy international a year and a half ago, when we ran the rule over him during Italy's quarter-final clash with Spain at Euro 2008.

Having come through the ranks at Roma before spending a season out on loan at Triestina, Aquilani shot to prominence during the 2005-06 season when he featured in the Giallorossi's record breaking winning streak.

The midfielder's first international cap followed soon after and he went on to star for Italy at the Under-21 Championship in Netherlands, earning himself a place in UEFA's official team of the tournament.

Since then he has acquired Champions League experience, and featured against Manchester United in both the group stage and quarter-final of this season's competition.

Aquilani may stand at six feet one tall but nevertheless looks comfortable on the ball, can hit a long pass and has a powerful shot that has seen him score several spectacular goals.

So how did he fare against Spain, in his seventh international appearance?

In truth, not very well. For a man with a reputation as one of the continent's brightest young stars, he barely shone.

Those hoping he would provide the creative impetus Italy needed in the absence of Andrea Pirlo were left disappointed and he barely made any impact in his role in a narrow four-man midfield.

While he looked composed on the ball, he saw far too little of it to be able to dictate play, and when he did have the ball at his feet, all too often he opted for a long punt up towards Luca Toni.

Granted, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni's tactics were partly to blame, but it was hardly encouraging viewing for the wealth of potential suitors, a long list which includes Arsenal.

He was valued at around £12 million before the tournament with clubs of the calibre of Real Madrid, Internazionale, Juventus, Chelsea and Manchester United all reportedly joining Arsenal in a bid to prise him away from his hometown club.

But his performance against Spain will have done little to convince those clubs to part with such a princely sum for his services.