Ever since Robbie Keane tried and failed to convince all and sundry he grew up on the streets of Dublin belting out You’ll Never Walk Alone, suggestions a so-called ‘Liverpool target’ is a born-and-raised Reds fanatic have usually been greeted with suspicion.
So we’re not going to simply spew out any spurious claims about Saul Niguez soaking up the sun in Spain with a Liver bird on his chest.
But while it would be wrong to suggest Niguez has always dreamed of strutting his stuff in front of the Kop, no-one should be disputing his lifelong adoration to one of the greatest footballers to wear that iconic red shirt.
Saul is no Liverpool fan. But he is a Steven Gerrard fan.
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Niguez a huge fan of Liverpool legend
“I started to love (Steven) Gerrard and I thought I wanted to look like him,” the Spain international once said, via Tribal Football.
“I think Steven had it all. He was super complete and I’ve I tried to work to look like him.”
This wasn’t the first time Niguez had spoken openly about his love for the former Liverpool captain either.
“Gerrard has always been a reference for me,” the 26-year-old said way back in 2014.
“He is a legend. A player who is able to win the ball, play it from behind, can get forward, will work hard to get it back.
“He is an example for anyone. Hopefully some day the fans of Atletico look at me as Liverpool fans love him.”
Well, with a deal for Rodrigo De Paul edging closer, it seems the Alicante-born midfielder won’t be given the chance to become Atleti’s answer to Steven Gerrard.
Saul started just 20 games in his favoured central midfield role as Los Colchoneros won the La Liga title last season, losing his place in Spain’s Euro 2020 squad as a result. De Paul’s impending arrival feels like another nail in his coffin.
A summer switch to Anfield, though, would be some consolation.
AS reports Liverpool are interested, with Gini Wijnaldum’s departure potentially opening a window of opportunity for the £35 million-rated Saul in England’s north west.
Saul won’t be Atletico’s Gerrard. But he could be the closet thing Liverpool have had since the great man himself was in his pomp.
In other news, Everton player responds after he’s asked whether he’ll have great relationship with Benitez
