Player Report: A Closer Look At Liverpool Target Dubbed 'The New Messi'

It has been a pleasant start to the Premier League season for Liverpool and their fans, as people mocking their history-based arguments are now starting to sweat. Brendan Rodgers has guided his side to third in the table, joint on points with Chelsea and just two points off top spot where Arsenal sit proudly.

The base of the Reds' success has been Rodgers' belief in a flexible system and youth in his squad, and this young chap, Juan Iturbe - who the Express are linking with a move to Anfield - is another reason why Scousers can get excited.

The 20-year-old has been labelled 'the new Lionel Messi' and for good reason. The little playmaker has incredible feet, has the creativity and the technique to really reach the top in football, in my opinion.

The Porto player - currently on loan at Serie A side Verona - has scored twice and made six chances in six games, while winning 50% of his 48 take ons.

His slight frame allows him to nip in and out of defenders before threading balls through to his forward team-mates or penetrating the back line himself. He holds such a high level of ball control that it can be near-impossible to strip him of possession and he is handy at tracking back as well, which is perhaps unlike Messi.

Iturbe has completed 17/20 of his tackles this term.

Watch this clip to get a better idea of what he's about.