How Xabi Alonso’s Liverpool Team Might Look With Four Fresh Additions.
Liverpool’s starting lineup could undergo a dramatic overhaul if the club opts to replace Arne Slot with Xabi Alonso.
Pressure continues to mount on Slot following Liverpool’s latest disastrous performance at Anfield. The Reds were outclassed in a 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, extending a worrying run of results that has some supporters losing confidence in the Dutchman.
Slot enjoyed a brilliant debut campaign, guiding Liverpool to their second Premier League title, but the current season has derailed quickly, with nine defeats in their last 12 outings.
As uncertainty grows, former Liverpool midfielder and current Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has emerged as a leading candidate to take over. Liverpool even signed two of Alonso’s former Bayer Leverkusen stars in the summer – Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz – though neither has hit top form at Anfield. Many believe Alonso could be the one to get the best out of them.
Should he return to Merseyside, Alonso would almost certainly look to shape the squad in his own image. With that in mind, here’s how Liverpool could line up under his leadership.
Goalkeeper – Alisson Becker
Despite edging toward the latter stages of his career, Alisson remains elite and would retain the No.1 shirt without question.
Defence – Jeremie Frimpong, Marc Guehi, Virgil van Dijk, Alessandro Bastoni, Milos Kerkez
Alonso favoured a three-at-the-back system with wing-backs during his spell at Leverkusen. Liverpool’s current personnel suit that shape well, and with reported interest in both Guehi and Bastoni, the Spaniard could look to reinforce the defensive line with two major additions.
Midfield – Aurelien Tchouameni, Dominik Szoboszlai
Tchouameni was previously linked with Liverpool before joining Real Madrid. If Alonso steps into the Anfield hot seat, the Frenchman could become a top target to anchor the midfield alongside Szoboszlai.
Attack – Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Antoine Semenyo
Alonso knows Wirtz better than anyone and could be the key to unleashing the German’s full potential. Semenyo has also been linked with Liverpool and might operate just behind a central striker, with Isak touted as the leading option up front.
Predicted XI:
Alisson Becker; Marc Guehi, Virgil van Dijk, Alessandro Bastoni; Jeremie Frimpong, Aurelien Tchouameni, Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez; Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Antoine Semenyo.
