Liverpool have already been told ‘£42m target plays just like Andrea Pirlo’ in exciting message

Liverpool have been linked with a January move for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joey Veerman - who has been likened to Italian legend Andrea Pirlo by fellow countryman Rafael van der Vaart

Liverpool remain atop the Premier League following a narrow 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, but Arne Slot may still be thinking about bolstering his team. The Dutchman's inaugural seven-game run has been impressive, with standout triumphs including 3-0 demolition of Manchester United and a victory by the same scoreline against Bournemouth.

And reports in recent weeks and months suggest Slot could be eyeing up a new central midfielder in the January transfer window, with a particular talent in mind. The Reds have been associated with PSV Eindhoven star player Joey Veerman for some time, and he's made a notable impact at the start of this season in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Rafael van der Vaart gives high praise to the 25-year-old, suggesting Liverpool should seize the opportunity to take him onboard. As documented by Football Oranje in 2021, Van der Vaart said of the midfielder: "I'm exaggerating enormously, but I call him a bit the Pirlo of Heerenveen.

"When he touches the ball, something special always comes out of his feet. Delicious balls, all tailor-made. It all looks very easy for him. It took no effort for Pirlo either. Everything is so relaxed, off the cuff. He also likes to play football. I like it when a player does that," reports Liverpool.com.

In a further nod to Veermans skills, Heerenveen executive Hans Westerhof spoke highly of the player to AD, saying: "He has exceptional qualities. How he passes a ball over 50 meters... I don't even see Frenkie de Jong doing that."

Veerman has been pivotal for PSV since his transfer from Heerenveen in 2022, netting 23 goals and providing 45 assists in 124 games, despite his defensive midfield position. His style of play and pinpoint passing have led to comparisons with the likes of Inter, AC Milan, and Juventus legend Pirlo - a player whom Carlo Ancelotti once said could "spot a pass in a split-second that lesser players could spend a whole lifetime waiting to see".

With his contract set to expire in July 2026, speculation is rife that Veerman is destined for a move to a more prestigious club. Liverpool, who have found success with Ryan Gravenberch commanding the midfield, saw new manager Slot attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the summer to add an extra dimension and depth to the squad.

However, Slot's efforts were in vain as the 25-year-old remained faithful to his lifelong club - a decision that might not serve him well in the long term. After eight matches, Sociedad find themselves in a precarious 16th place in the LaLiga table, having secured just two victories, two draws, and suffered four defeats.

In a striking contrast, Veerman's impressive performances have helped PSV to the top of the Eredivisie table with seven victories from seven games, putting them in prime position for consecutive league titles - albeit, it is still very early doors.

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Liverpool may face a tough battle to secure Veerman's services in the upcoming months. This is due to reported interest from Arsenal and Newcastle United, as they aim to bolster their own squads in pursuit of a Premier League title.

The Reds' own aims of winning a second Prem title received another shot in the arm on Saturday after a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Diogo Jota was the man of the moment as his ninth minute goal wrapped up all three points to keep Liverpool top of the table during the international break.

The game was not without incident, however, as Alisson was forced off after appearing to pull his hamstring late in the second half. Slot believes the imperious Brazilian may now be out for a while.

"With Alisson it is clear he will be out for maybe a few weeks," Slot told Match of the Day. The Dutchman also complained about the tight turnaround time between Liverpool's Champions League game on Wednesday and the early kick-off at Palace on Saturday.

He added: "Maybe this is something the FA should look at - if you play Wednesday evening why do we have an early kick-off in an away game? Or they have to look at me and rotate all my players, maybe it is also bad luck, I don't know.

"The positive thing is that Jaros did really well last season when on loan. He was champion and won the cup. He wanted to play desperately. At this club we need three good goalkeepers. He was outstanding today."