Barcelona boss Xavi talks up midfielder Liverpool reportedly want to sign this summer

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Barcelona manager Xavi has hailed reported Liverpool target Ruben Neves as being a ‘very good player.’

Neves has been linked with a move to Anfield this summer as he prepares to move on from Wolves. The Reds aren’t the only ones said to be interested in the 26-year-old though. He’s also been mentioned as a possible signing for Barcelona.

Commenting on those links via journalist Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Xavi praised Neves, but suggested Barca have other, higher priority targets.

“Well, he’s a good player. Would he adapt to our style? We’ll see. We have different names: plan A, plan B, plan C,” said the Spain legend.

With Neves previously being reported as favouring a move to Barcelona, perhaps he may now have to reassess.

Neves not quite what Liverpool need

There’s no denying that Neves is indeed a very good player. Now twenty-six, he’s paid his dues at Wolves and looks absolutely ready to move on to a top team.

But is he right for Liverpool? For us, no. We don’t see it.

What the Reds lacked in midfield last season was legs, an ability to press effectively as a unit and physicality.

As far as we’re concerned, Neves only really ticks the last of those boxes. He’s far more of a passing midfielder, capable of pulling the strings from deep and scoring spectacularly. In Liverpool terms, he’s somewhat similar to Thiago Alcantara, but bigger and not quite as good.

Given his age and likely £44m price-tag, he’s possibly not quite what Jurgen Klopp is looking for in this transfer window.

From Barca’s point of view, Xavi also confirmed that their main priority in the market is a replacement for Sergio Busquets. Neves isn’t that, either.

So, although he appears keen to push himself onto the next level, the Portugal international may not have all that many suitors. With so many midfield players on the market this summer, Neves is in danger of being the odd man out.