Liverpool told to sign Fabinho replacement who has been compared to Steven Gerrard

Liverpool has been advised to sign a Fabinho replacement who has been compared to Steven Gerrard, though prising him from Real Madrid would be next to impossible

Former Liverpool midfielder Fabinho now plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.(Image: Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Liverpool has been told it should attempt to inject fresh life into its midfield by signing a player compared to Steven Gerrard, though such a move would be next to impossible.

Former Chelsea and Tottenham star Gus Poyet says his fellow Uruguayan, Federico Valverde, would be ideal for the Premier League, even though the 27-year-old has no intention of leaving Real Madrid.

Poyet believes that Liverpool would be the perfect landing spot if he does ever move on from the Bernabeu, with Arne Slot's side potentially a man light in the center of the field as things stand and with some key contracts to sort out.

"I would love to see Valverde play in England," Poyet told Bet Wright. "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.

Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham and Tchouameni holding the Champions League trophy(Image: Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images)

"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.

"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."

Valverde modeled his game on Gerrard when he was younger and a few years ago, his Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, compared him to the Liverpool legend.

"He has a lot of characteristics in common with Steven Gerrard," Ancelotti said. "I think he can reach Gerrard's level and beyond."

Meanwhile, Poyet is predicting that Mohamed Salah might be inside the final few month of his Anfield career.

"With every week that goes by, I think Salah edges closer to leaving Liverpool this season," Poyet continued.

"A month ago, I wasn’t entirely sure, but I think the balance has shifted towards a departure in the summer. Under Arne Slot, Salah has found it more difficult on the pitch and it appears he’s lost a bit of confidence.

"The next month will be crucial for Salah as to whether he stays or goes. Based on his expressions, we could see the end of an era in a few months' time."