If Liverpool pursue a midfielder, it should be Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez

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Liverpool slipped to a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid inside the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday night.

One positive, however, might have been the opportunity of a front-row seat to run the rule over a man who could thrive at Anfield.

Saul Niguez took advantage of an unfortunate ricochet at a corner, stabbing the ball beyond Alisson after just four minutes to send the Atletico support into pandemonium.

Diego Simone doesn’t do things by halves and in 2017, Niguez signed a nine-year contract extension with Los Rojiblancos.

The move put a sizeable £125 million release clause in his contract but nonetheless it speaks volumes as to how much his rated at the club.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for youngster Kai Havertz during the summer. Although the German is considerably younger, Niguez is the midfield maestro that Jurgen Klopp could really use.

Manchester United have been interested in the past and the Daily Mail claims it will take £90 million for Atletico to start discussing a sale.

Perfect

In the coming years, James Milner will retire and given his versatility, a replacement will be required. The Atletico man has played left-back, left midfield and in his natural box-to-box midfield role already this season.

In the here and now, however, he’d be a quality addition to the Liverpool ranks.

On Tuesday, Who Scored named him as the Man of the Match. He completed 85% of his passes, made 14 interceptions and won no fewer than 33 tackles.

His work rate was also eyecatching. He never seems to tire and his engine is exactly the sort of attribute that could work perfectly in Jurgen Klopp’s heavy metal brand of football.

Niguez wouldn’t be signed as a backup, given that he is one of the world’s best in his central midfield role. At 25, he is four years younger than Jordan Henderson and he could star in Klopp’s midfield for years to come.

There’s no substance to suggest Liverpool will be interested, but they should be.

Niguez proved on Tuesday his knack of stifling the opposition. He also highlighted his capability of scoring goals and showing up for particularly big games.

If Klopp has a desire to strengthen his midfield then Niguez should be his number one target during the summer transfer window.