Liverpool are likely to be in the market for a central midfield player in the summer with Gini Wijnaldum set to depart on a free transfer.
Xherdan Shaqiri, who has also played in that position this season, could also be let go should a suitable offer for him arrive, with the Swiss not having played as much this year as he might have liked.
With two players, and possibly others in that area, moving on, getting someone in to add depth will be crucial. But getting in a slightly different option should also be a priority to evolve the midfield area too.
That is where AZ Alkmaar captain Teun Koopmeiners could come into the equation.
His attributes suit Liverpool and he is approaching the time in his career where he could be ready to take the next step, having proven already to be one of the top talents in Holland.
His club, AZ, also have a Liverpool ally among their ranks who could prove useful in such a deal.
Moneyball guru Billy Beane, who is a close friend of John Henry and FSG, is a minority stakeholder in AZ and used the Dutch side as his route into European football.
Last year, it looked like Beane would be involved in investing in Liverpool too, but that deal fell through - though Beane could still prove highly useful.
"Koopmeiners looks a really good player," said Josh Williams on the Analysing Anfield podcast.
"He is left-footed and still only 23, so approaching what you would expect to be a peak, and despite being 23, he is still at AZ.
"They are not the biggest European club but he is captain and seems to have a bit of authority over the team because he takes penalties as well.
"He is a midfielder, not a forward, and is over six-foot, so has decent size on him while being mobile as well.
"But his passing is a big strength as well and he is developing a bit of a reputation for his passing range.
"He is typically Dutch in that regard and you would expect him to be playing for Ajax, to be honest.
Listen to the full Analysing Anfield transfer podcast by clicking HERE
"He is only under contract until 2023, so the two-year countdown will commence this summer which is when a player gets linked with a move."
Koopmeiners could be a valuable asset for Liverpool, and given his contract situation, could be cost-effective too.
"He is never injured and his last absence was in 2017 when he was ill for three days," Williams continued.
"He is always available and he scores frequently. He takes penalties, but he has 15 Eredivisie goals this season in 29 games, or eight without penalties - which is still a fair return.
"He is also currently on five assists so 13 goal contributions from a midfielder who is dictating play, is a good size and a good age.
"He is getting to the point of being too good to be playing for AZ and he has the physical build and technical ability to play in the Premier League."
Liverpool will no doubt be watching a number of possible options on the table ahead of the summer, but goals and availability are two key traits they should be searching for - and two things Koopmeiners can provide.
Wijnaldum, in particular, will be a significant loss.
But turning to the Dutchman's homeland to replace him with a player seven years younger and posing a slightly different, more attacking threat could be a sensible move - not least with Beane perhaps positioned to assist.
