Former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique has named Renato Sanches as the player to replace Georginio Wijnaldum.
The 23-year-old put in a faultless performance for Portugal during their 2-2 draw with France in the final game of Group F as they secured qualification for the knockouts of Euro 2020 as one of the best third-placed teams.
Sanches was named the inaugural U21 player of the tournament when Santos' side won the European Championships, five years ago.
On Wednesday night, the Ligue 1 winner with Lille showed he could go toe-to-toe with the best in the world as he matched N'Golo Kante, Paul Pogba and Corentin Tolisso.
He won the most duels in the score draw with nine as two Cristiano Ronaldo penalties were enough to ensure that they can still defend their European crown.
With Wijnaldum's impending move to PSG, there are growing reports that Liverpool are in the market to replace the Dutchman as they recently cooled their interest in German midfielder Florian Neuhaus.
Taking to social media platform Instagram, Enrique said: "He always been a great player. If I'm no wrong he was named best player of the under 21 tournament that he was involved.
"The problem he had is like many young players he had everything to quick and until he settled it took him few years but it looks like the type of player that I believe Klopp can help him become a world class player
"Who else has been amazed by Renato Sanches tonight.
"This is the man I want to replace Gini. He steps up on the big stage. Still only 23 & he just won the league with Lille.
"This man is an absolute engine & knows how to dictate a midfield like Gini did.
"He’s physically a level above others, he seems like a perfect fit for Klopp. He also has that creative aspect which Gini had."
The ECHO understands that Sanches is not an active target for Liverpool.
Various reports in Germany suggest Bayern Munich are keen to re-sign the midfielder and could look to activate a buy-back clause in the deal that saw him depart to Ligue 1.
