How Liverpool would line up under Ruben Amorim

Cameron Smith

29 Mar 2024 14:02 GMT
4 min read

Ruben Amorim, Liverpool, Sporting, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Xabi Alonso has confirmed that he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen next season, ruling him out of the race to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

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The Reds are currently on the hunt for a new manager to take over this summer after Klopp announced that he will be stepping down at the end of the 2023-24 campaign - something FootballTransfers exclusively reported was a high possibility last year.

Alonso had been identified as the dream candidate to take over at Anfield, given his impressive managerial record at Leverkusen and the fact he used to play at Liverpool, but he has withdrawn his name from contention.

The Spaniard revealed in a press conference ahead of Leverkusen’s Bundesliga clash against Wolfsburg: “I’m grateful to Bayer and the board, the players, the fans… I feel that this is the best way to continue together. I have also informed the players, it’s true.

“My deadline was this week, it's a matter of respect. Now everything is clear. I’m not gonna comment about Liverpool or Bayern. These are big clubs and I’ve strong links with them but I’m in the place where I want to be.”

“It’s not time to decide my future now, I want to develop at Bayer Leverkusen.”

As a result, Liverpool have turned their attention to Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi, as per The Times, as they search for the ideal manager to replace club legend Klopp.

If Amorim is selected, the Reds may be forced to undergo a formation tweak given his preference for a back three/five system. So how would Liverpool line up if they appoint Amorim this summer?

Liverpool starting XI under Ruben Amorim

Alisson is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and he will keep his place with Amorim in charge at Anfield.

Amorim may alter his style to a back four if he joins Liverpool, but he has always favoured a back three at Sporting and that could continue if he replaces Klopp.

As a result, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate may be joined by Ousmane Diomande - Sporting’s current centre-back star.

The Ivorian is wanted by Arsenal and Chelsea, while Liverpool have also been linked with a move. His Sporting team-mate Goncalo Inacio has been touted for a switch to Anfield too, but Diomande is probably the bigger talent as things stand and he could follow Amorim from Portugal.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has inverted into midfield recently, however Amorim may change his role again by deploying him as an attacking right-wing-back. Andrew Robertson will perform the same role on the left flank.

A double pivot of Alexis Mac Allister and Wataru Endo would probably make the most legitimate sense for Amorim, but Curtis Jones could force his way into the equation, while €70 million signing Dominik Szoboszlai could struggle for minutes.

Mohamed Salah will be deployed in an inside right forward role - arguably his best position - mirroring how Marcus Edwards is currently used at Sporting. Luis Diaz will be on the opposite flank, and Darwin Nunez will play through the middle, in a similar fashion to how Viktor Gyokeres leads the line for Amorim now.

GK: Alisson

CB: Ibrahima Konate

CB: Virgil van Dijk

CB: Ousmane Diomande

RWB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

CM: Wataru Endo

LWB: Andrew Robertson

RW: Mohamed Salah

ST: Darwin Nunez

LW: Luis Diaz