There have been plenty of transfer rumours regarding Liverpool over the past few weeks – as you would expect given we are in the midst of the January window.

Timo Werner and Boubakary Soumare are amongst those to have been linked with a move to Anfield, as has Isco. The Real Madrid man is said to be valued at €70m (£59m) by his club, and Jurgen Klopp is believed to be a fan of the 27-year-old.

The interest in the Spain international has been reported by El Desmarque. Whilst Isco is a talented player – he has an impressive career average of 1.5 key passes and two dribbles per game – it is the alternative target added in the report that would be a far better purchase for Liverpool: Fabian Ruiz.

The big fat Liverpool quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Anfield?

The Reds have already played against the 23-year-old twice so far this season in the Champions League – he registered a WhoScored rating of over seven on both occasions. Overall, though, he has been in fantastic form for Napoli, enjoying an average match rating of 7.22 – indeed, he is one of the few players to be performing well this term despite the Italian side lying in 11th in the Serie A table.

This season, he has been an all-round force for his side in the Italian top-flight – from the middle of the park, he has averaged 2.5 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.4 dribbles per match, as well as 1.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions. In every single one of those aspects, he is out-performing Isco.

And judging by the fact that he has previously admitted to being inspired by Barcelona and Spain great Xavi, Liverpool would be getting someone who is intent on playing football in the most eye-catching way.

“I fell in love with football thanks to him. He was a pillar for Barcelona and Spain for so many years and I dream of following in his footsteps.”

Ruiz is not without his suitors however. Real Madrid are said to be interested, as are Manchester United. Speaking on Rai’s La Domenica Sportiva programme (via CalcioNapoli24), Italian journalist Ciro Venerato has suggested there will be a summer auction for the midfielder, who has a valuation of €80m-€90m (£67.4m-£75.9m).

That would be a considerable amount of money, but here you are talking about a player with considerable pedigree – he earned a place in the U21 European Championship’s Team of the Tournament last summer. Isco may be the bigger name, but Ruiz is the man who can take Liverpool to the next level.

His creativity, coupled with his defensive tenacity, makes him someone who Klopp can really get the best out of in central midfield. With the pace and intensity of English football, Ruiz’s aforementioned stats shows he can make the step-up and carry Liverpool forward.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans react to the links with this Premier League youngster.