“Characteristics are similar” – Liverpool icon dubs Reds’ target the new Steven Gerrard

Luis Suarez dubs Liverpool target Federico Valverde the new Steven Gerrard

Speaking to Spanish outlet Marca (h/t Liverpool Echo), former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez has heaped praise on fellow national team member and Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde and has dubbed him the ‘next Steven Gerrard’

Suarez enjoyed a successful spell at Anfield and it was at the club where the player made his reputation as a prolific and lethal goalscorer. In 133 matches played for the club, he scored an impressive 82 goals and made 46 assists.

When asked about his impression of national teammate Valvedere, the striker only had good things to say about the 24-year-old energetic midfielder. He then went on to compare the player to Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard

“When Fede debuted in the National Team, I already said that he reminded me of Steven Gerrard, who was my teammate at Liverpool.

A box to box, with punch, change of pace, a lot of arrival… I don’t want to compare, but the characteristics are similar.”

The Real Madrid midfielder has seen his stock rise up exponentially over the past couple of seasons and was influential in Madrid’s UEFA Champions League win last season.

We have registered a strong interest in the player previously and have also seen a bid of  £85million fail, with Madrid keen to hold only to their prized asset.

He is one of their key players to eventually replace the long-standing midfield generals in Luka Modric and Toni Kross, with Casemiro already having sealed a transfer to Manchester United.

The Uruguayan has impressed manager Carlo Ancelotti with his attributes and skill set to play different positions, thus providing managers with more options.

After a successful last season with the club, Valverde has continued his fine form and started the season in a blistering manner with six goal contributions in nine matches so far this season.

Suarez has given the midfielder the ultimate compliment and it would be a big confidence booster for the midfielder to receive praise from one of Uruguay’s best players ever.

Hopefully, Suarez can explain the charm and aura of playing for Liverpool and for one of the biggest fan bases all over Europe and persuade the midfielder to make a switch from Spain to England.

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It would be unlikely that Madrid will be willing to let go of a player of such ilk. However, there is no harm in rolling the dice and testing the waters.

The 2023 transfer window is already looking pretty hectic for us with a lot of personnel changes required and there might be a chance that we go back for the player with an improved bid.