Here’s how Liverpool might look with Xabi Alonso as coach and four new players added.
There’s still a lot of talk about Arne Slot’s future as Liverpool manager, especially after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea that left the fans frustrated at Anfield. Supporters booed at full-time, even though Liverpool ended Chelsea’s losing streak, similar to how Tottenham broke their own run during Igor Tudor’s brief time in charge.
Fans on Merseyside are starting to lose trust in Slot, who brought the Premier League title in his first season. Many feel the team’s slow and dull style of play has pushed them to call for change. Earlier this year, some Liverpool fans even chanted the name of Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid manager, after a heavy FA Cup defeat. Alonso, who left Madrid after less than seven months, is linked with both Chelsea and Liverpool.
According to AS Diario, Liverpool have reached out to Real Madrid about Alonso, hoping for a green light if Slot leaves. Let’s take a look at how Liverpool might line up if Alonso takes over.
There’s also talk that star goalkeeper Alisson Becker could leave at the end of the season, with Juventus being a likely destination. Liverpool extended his contract until 2027 to avoid losing him for free. With key leaders like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving, Liverpool can’t afford to lose another important player.
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure has also caused problems at right-back. Conor Bradley and new signing Jeremie Frimpong were expected to fill in, but injuries have made that tough. Liverpool looked at Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries in January, and with his contract running out next summer, signing him could be a smart move—possibly as part of a deal involving Curtis Jones. Despite some ups and downs, Liverpool should keep Ibrahima Konate and find ways to rely on Virgil van Dijk less, though he’s still a quality starter. Milos Kerkez has impressed as the new left-back.
Midfield is another big challenge. Liverpool needs more strength and creativity from deeper positions. While Elliott Anderson would be a great pick, he looks set to join Manchester United or City. Instead, Liverpool are focusing on Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. Wharton is great at controlling the game’s pace, something Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister haven’t mastered yet. Dominik Szoboszlai has been one of the better players this season and will need to step up even more as a leader. Florian Wirtz has struggled to meet expectations but could improve with a manager who brings out his best.
Up front, Liverpool needs the most changes, especially with Salah leaving. Both wings need help — Luis Diaz hasn’t been properly replaced, and Cody Gakpo is feeling the pressure as the main left winger. Young Rio Ngumoha has promise but is still just 18 and must be carefully guided. Adding RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande would bring speed on the right, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola would be a great fit on the left. Their main job would be setting up Alexander Isak, who had a tough first season after his big move from Newcastle. A leg injury cut his progress short, and a fresh start with a new manager could help him shine again.
Here’s a possible Liverpool lineup under Alonso: Alisson; Dumfries, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Wharton, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Diomande, Isak, Barcola.