Liverpool are facing another summer of transition, with a number of big names set to leave the club, so they will be looking to add to their squad
Quinten Timber on the ball for the Netherlands. The Dutch midfielder currently plays in French Ligue 1
Quinten Timber on the ball for the Netherlands. The Dutch midfielder currently plays in French Ligue 1(Image: Photo by Laszlo Szirtesi/Getty Images)
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Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven would be an ideal signing for Liverpool because he has the turn of pace required to play in a team that attacks high up the pitch.
That's according to former Netherlands international centre-back Japp Stam, who has been discussing the prospects of some of his top-class compatriots.
The Reds will lose at least one defender next month when left-back Andy Robertson brings his illustrious nine-year Anfield tenure to a close. But there is also uncertainty over the future of stalwart Joe Gomez while Ibrahima Konate is yet to sign a new contract.
Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth last summer for £40m, but 52-year-old Stam, who won Dutch Footballer of the Year in 1997, before joining Manchester United, believes that Spurs favourite Van de Ven would give the outgoing Premier League champions something that they desperately need.
Speaking to ComeOn, he said: "Micky van de Ven is ready to step up. I think he's very good at adapting to a certain level. And every time he picks that up, if he makes the next step to a higher level, then he becomes a better player himself.
"So for him, I won't say it's very good for him to leave, because I still think Spurs is, of course, a very big club, but they're in a situation now that it's very difficult for themselves, but also for him maybe to stay if he wants to move on.
"Then there's probably a team that wants to pick him up that can play on the opposition's half with a lot of space in their back. So you need to have defenders who are very quick, who've got pace, who can cover that. Mickey would probably go to one of the top teams in the Premier League, like Liverpool.
"Those type of players in your squad are ideal, I think, for a manager in making choices, but also that you're confident when you play that when the opposition gets past you or puts that ball over the top, that you have players who can defend that big space."
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Stam also suggested that top Premier League outfits like the Reds should be looking at Quinten Timber, the twin brother of Arsenal star Jurrien Timber.
The 24-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a solid season in French Ligue 1 with Marseille but the ex-AC Milan star is confident that he can follow in his twin's footsteps to the English top flight.
"Quinten Timber is a good player, a strong, quick midfielder who is good on the ball. He's physically similar to his brother, almost identical," said Stam.
"When I look at players, I always look at their ability to be successful, which means considering if they can make the step up to the Premier League. I believe he has the ability to play in the Premier League.
"Looking at how he is performing, even in France, he could definitely play for a club in the Premier League."
Liverpool face the prospect of a number of high-profile exits at the end of what has been a disappointing season.
Robertson will be followed out of the door by talisman Mohamed Salah and reports have suggested that goalkeeper Alisson is considering a move to Juventus.