Federico Valverde was once compared to Steven Gerrard – and now Liverpool have been told to sign the Real Madrid star. The midfielder has been a star for the La Liga giants since joining them from Club Atletico Penarol back in the summer of 2017.

During his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, Valverde has won three La Ligas, two Champions Leagues and one Copa del Rey. And even though the 27-year-old has given no indication that he wants to leave the Spanish capital this summer, former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Gus Poyet would love to see the Reds make a move for the midfielder, as he believes he would be the perfect partner for Alexis Mac Allister.

“I would love to see Federico Valverde play in England,” he told Betwright. "Since Fabinho left Liverpool, they’ve lacked a world-class box-to-box midfielder.

"Alexis Mac Allister has shown his class this season, but he could use some defensive reinforcement alongside him and someone who can change the game at both ends of the pitch. Valverde operates all over the pitch, can run for 90 minutes and has great ball distribution.

“It would be difficult for Liverpool to prise Valverde away from Real Madrid; he came through their second team and has risen through the ranks to become the brilliant player that he is now.

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"Whether they could offer him an attractive enough deal to come to England, I’m not sure, but Liverpool need a 'Makelele-style' player who can strengthen their core and Valverde could be a great fit.”

Speaking during the summer, then Real head coaLch Xabi Alonso claimed Valverde was just like his former Liverpool team-mate Gerrard. He said: “I see Fede in many places, like I did with Steven.

“But given the shape we have and the balance we need, starting from that slightly deeper position, from the second line, that double No 6, he can arrive [in the other area].

“He has that ability to accelerate through, to go through lines very easily and in 30 metres, be there [in shooting positions].

“We are using him in that position and it’s working well. We know his qualities, we know that his best virtue is not receiving back to goal and turning but to see the game in front of him and, starting from a bit deeper [than a forward], arrive.

"He has scored twice and he has that ability to accelerate and get close to the area.”

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