Former Netherlands international Rafael van der Vaart believes Liverpool linked Teun Koopmeiners is better being a big man at Atalanta at present rather than moving.
The 25-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move away from Atalanta in the next summer transfer window.
Juventus are one of the big Italian sides who want him, while he has also been strongly linked with a switch to the Premier League where Liverpool are keen.
However, Van der Vaart, who played for Tottenham in the Premier League, has advised the Dutchman to stay put at Atalanta as he believes that they are the right club for him.
He stressed that the midfielder is better off being the big man at a smaller club than going elsewhere and being just another player.
Van der Vaart said on Ziggo Sport’s programme Rondo: “I would stay if I were Koopmeiners.
“As a player, you always want more, but when I look at him and his qualities, and what I think he is, I think he is in the right place now.
“Of course, he will go and make a step, but I think this is it. Atalanta are a beautiful club, so it is certainly not an insult.
“It is better to be the big man at a slightly smaller club than ‘one of the’ at a bigger club.
“I think he is doing very well now because he is an important player.”
Atalanta are expected to field offers for the Dutch midfielder when the summer transfer window rolls out and it remains to be seen if Liverpool do slap in a bid.
The Italian club have shown they are willing to sell players if the price is right.
