Why Xabi Alonso Is The Perfect New Liverpool Manager (And Why He's Not)

Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, and Xabi Alonso is already odds-on to replace him. But would the Bayer Leverkusen boss be able to bring his incredible brand of attacking football to Anfield, or would the change simply be too much for him at this very early stage of his managerial career? Adam Clery takes a bumper look at both sides of the argument.
SUBSCRIBE: bit.ly/3ErE4ai
WEBSITE: bit.ly/3GFXMC0
Follow FourFourTwo on:
Instagram: bit.ly/3VoHkKz
Facebook: bit.ly/3UgQYxX
Twitter: bit.ly/3GB0Or7

[@maxkellerman4313]

Conor Bradley is made for the RWB role

[@prasetyoadinugroho2625]

Indeed, in the long term

[@ASBsweet]

Yes he is..

[@MaxOC43]

As you said near the end, this assumes alonso would play the 3421 at Liverpool. I know it’s youth but I’m pretty sure Xabi used the 433 at the younger Madrid setup. If Xabi comes along with Wirtz I have no complaints whatsoever as a Liverpool fan, he’s a future ballon d’or talent!

[@samuelconway8961]

Fairly sure he played with a double pivot at some point too, I’d be confident if he did come that he would work it out to suit!

[@samuelconway8961]

Fairly sure he played with a double pivot at some point too, I’d be confident if he did come that he would work it out to suit!

[@Kizzster]

Xabi makes 3421 look like the most balanced formation of all time lol

[@Geo-nw9ug]

not madrid but sociedad bro haha

[@chris.48]

You’re right but it’s the Sociedad B team. He played a lot of formations with them actually including the 3421 and 433. He also recently said he don’t believe in formations and only adapt to what the game state is

[@bassfaceinspace]

I think Trent would actually thrive in this system. Having the 3 cb’s behind him and the help of a double pivot he could have free reign to cut inside and be play those amazing crosses we love him for. Also Gomez’s resurgence, and Bradley’s development, Tsimikas also an option in the left... This video just got me even more excited for a possible Xabi 2024

[@adammontgomery1333]

Exactly, gives him the chance to play at RM and channel his inner Beckham

[@bassfaceinspace]

@@mainaccount7585that’s the concern. I just watched the Bayern game and they had Teller and Wirtz in the double 10 spot. Teller functioned pretty much as a free roaming winger that would suit Diaz or Salah and Wirtz’s role would be perfect for Gakpo or Szobo. Elliot would actually be interesting in either. Then that front 9 spot is Nunez and Jota. Macca, Grav and Jones could play in either the 10 spot or the double pivot. So there’s a lot of rotation and options.

[@orwellboy1958]

Alonso to Liverpool is the worst kept secret in football.

[@1258-Eckhart]

It hasn't happened yet.

[@Kizzster]

@@1258-Eckhart It's in his contract where he can join a former team so he's pretty much gone at the end of the season

[@walkerpage9535]

@@Kizzsternot written, but apparently that’s a verbal agreement

[@danchiziofficial2159]

​@@Kizzsterhe can not that he will big difference

[@calebchristian8040]

Jurgen has literally been building a side to allow Xabi to manage liverpool and make minor adjustments. It's just to perfect 😭

[@johncambridge7181]

I think salah will be just fine occupying that half space area(no 10) . He is very versatile and a good facilitator too. After all that no 10 spots can do whatever they want. The beauty of this tactic is as long as that 3 cbs and 2 midfielders keep their shape, you can change the shape of the front 3 to 2-1 or 1-2 .

[@myownlilbubble]

Agreed....among the forwards...Salah got the most leeway ..defensive wise...because of his playmaking.....under Klopp who wants his strikers to defend as well. So Xabi might give Salah a more free roaming role...if necessary....without going out of position.

[@damadefeso]

Salah will adapt SO well as he an amazing creator. His assists too show this.

[@Synixx-kun]

Agree, he is a versatile player, he can change his playstyle and adapted to it in no time

[@robwor8320]

I think Xabi will get the best out of TAA and Darwin.

[@abelstretford3097]

I’d say Mac Alister should be the Cam with Dominic and Trent in the middle and the RWB be Connor Bradley. Seems perfect

[@pakjai5532]

Endo will be needed if you want to provide the back some defensive coverage. Endo also allows the back to turn defensive transition into attack.

[@abelstretford3097]

@@pakjai5532 Endo can play alongside Trent in the middle

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Yes...I'd like to see that set up with Xabi on the touchline.

[@chris.48]

The Trent thing won’t work if you listened to what he said. He’s not strong enough or have the awareness of a midfielder to receive a ball with his back turned to go. I’ve been discussing this with my friends for a long time now.

[@nathanielliddy638]

Respect Jones

[@travislevison6074]

Great video Adam. Really glad you mentioned at the end that he could very well adapt to Liverpools squad, and that just because he’s played this system this season doesn’t mean he’s wedded to it. In fact, he’s only brought it in this season properly and was very adaptable/flexible in his system last year (he often played a 4atb with the LB tucking in whilst Frimpong pushed on)!

[@jayseth]

Yet again another solid video. Love the breakdown of Leverkusen's current shape/players under Alonso. Adam is usually very spot on, but I feel he missed it with 2 points: 1) Trent not fitting in that RWB position? - this season alone Trent improved massively with his back tracking, although most of the time it's reverting from midfield positions rather than the final 3rd like Frimpong. He has definitely improved defensively as well, although Konate peels out wide on occasion to assist him with that pacy wide forward. Liverpool have the best defensive record in the League so far this season. Teams hardly attack from their left flank as they did before, due to the fact that the Konate/Trent dynamic has been solid. At RWB Trent will even have alot more freedom on the ball with there being 3 at the back, and a double pivot in midfield. He could even get into #10 positions rather than merely final 3rd/wide forward positions like Frimpong. I don't think it will be a train smash for Alonso if Trent doesn't mimic Frimpong completely. 2) Salah being wasted as the #10 on the right? - Trent moving into those wing back and occasional AM positions will give Salah alot more freedom to push forward FROM his initial #10 position. Also Salah has moved much more centrally this season than the last, especially in AM positions on the edge of the box for link up play. Which evidently hasn't affected his numbers, but actually improved them. The introduction of Szoboszlai, and him switching with Salah out wide in certain passages of play as aided in Salah moving centrally. I think Salah will KILL it as one of the 10s, as he seems to be aware that he's getting older and does not need to use his legs as often. He seems to enjoy sitting in space and linking up play when he needs to this season. Also Szobo plays as the #10 on the left for Hungary, he will thrive there under Alonso

[@armyaj]

After watching the video I just dont think Xabi is going to even bring that system in. He will play a totally different way with the liverpool squad on hand just like everyone said ETH plays at Ajax and then he goes to United and can't do that and does a complete different style.

[@janolavfest1415]

ETH is still trying to figure out a style of play almost 2 seasons in. Not sure we can afford that

[@myownlilbubble]

​@@janolavfest1415playing devil's advocate....that dressing room reeks of self entitlement. So far I see Holjund, Ganarcho and that new kid....I forgot his name.....the new frontline..seemed to play with pride.

[@damadefeso]

Mainoo?

[@Theredbastard2023]

You are the best youtube analyst out there. Super appreciate you! thank you!

[@mattwells3713]

Thanks for keeping us,up to date

[@DKP4]

Fantastic detail Adam, time well spent mate😀

[@grahamdampier]

Fantastic analysis!

[@calebchristian8040]

Lovely content sir 🎉 thank you!

[@chrisconnor8086]

Excellent work

[@Swisswavey]

Great vid. 👍 Thanks 😊

[@nabh2030]

As always.. Great work!👏👏👏

[@pattisonvidal3909]

Where do you get season long heat maps?

[@jakeyskywalker66]

excellent as ever Adam! thank you

[@FourFourTwo]

My pleasure!

[@Lightning_Jaeger]

City vs Liverpool at anfield is exactly how klopp replicated this alonso's 11 . Exact same attacking lineup!!!

[@sinan_3384]

This channel is really good and does a great job being objective in its analysis. I’ve seen few people if any who aren’t Liverpool fans understand their setup better than this

[@Chranos83]

fully agree with you in the case of how would Alonso's style of football fit in with Liverpool. he is intelligent enough to know that he needs to work with players he has in order for a team to work not get the team to work around his style of play. Klopp had to do that when the midfield was starting to age. he had to change things up. he knew that we werent going to play like we did 2 to 4 years back.

[@Afterthoughtbtw]

A couple of thoughts - any good tactician, particularly in this era of football - isn't wedded to a formation. Pep and Klopp have both talked about how formations are actually really fluid, and whilst they might start out in a certain formation, that formation will completely change during a game depending upon the phase of play. The full backs for both Man City and Liverpool are fantastic examples of that. Their role changes completely depending on what is actually happening in the game at that point of time. That is to say, if Alonso is good enough to be Liverpool manager, he'll not be wedded to his current formation: he'll alter his formation depending upon the tools he has at his disposal. What is more telling about his fit with Liverpool is his style of play. Does his style of play, his footballing philosophy, complement the players at Liverpool? Personally, I'd say definitely yes. Secondly, it's hard to think of any ex-player in world football, who could be a better mentor for Trent. Whether or not TAA ever becomes a midfielder rather than a RB, Xabi Alonso is one of the few people who has ever been able to strike a pass like Trent does. I would actually imagine that the chance to coach Trent on its own would be one of the attractions for someone like Alonso to want to come to Liverpool. If Alonso takes over, I suspect whatever role he plays Trent in, he will look right at home. Personally, I really want Xabi to become the next Liverpool manage. But then I've wanted him to be Liverpool manager since he played for us under Benitez. You could tell then that his understanding of the game would make him a top coach if he so desired. Out of all our recent ex-players who have been suggested as future manager, Alonso is the only one that his got my blood pumping.

[@noctis3017]

great video, and as you said great managers will adapt with what they have and i think alonso is one of them. he will play with a system that suits the current players but with the same philosophy and principles. and just imagine what alonso could do with a lot of top level players at liverpool

[@erikpedersenbrarmo3526]

Where can I access the statistics that you are using in this video? Which website do you use as source? Thanks in advance :)

[@conor-m]

Great analysis and great conclusion. If Xabi is a top manager he will adapt to the players for his style.

[@XStoffe]

Interesting. Agree with the general idea. Just one thing about what to do with TAA. Having watched a lot of Leverkusen matches, the one Liverpool player that would be a misfit there is Konate. Konate has a questionable command of the ball and does not take part in any offensive action. TAA would fit that role very well.

[@asparapee4213]

Konate is a beast. He has been taking part in more offensive actions this season. He's not going on any Matip-esque adventures. But he has done a bit more. We will need two more CBs to add to the VVD/Konate/Quansah trio. My hope is that Chelsea will have to sell homegrown talent to comply with FFP (there have been multiple reports they must sell) and we can swoop in on Colwill. Then have Xabi bring Hincapie with him.

[@damadefeso]

Incorrect. Kon is PERFECT. For you to say that lets me knw you don’t pay attention. But You’ll see

[@XStoffe]

You guys are missing the point. The point was: would Konate fit a Leverkusen style of play. The answer is NO. He is not good enough on the ball. That’s all. Before reading our watch how Leverkusen defends. (And please do not get personal. Thanks)

[@asparapee4213]

@@XStoffe get the point. I just disagree. I've watched Leverkusen, and he's as good on the ball as Hincapie. Is he as good as Matip with his Messi-esque runs? 😁 No. But he's as good as many centerbacks and good enough to play in Xabis system.

[@markus_k]

Alonso did a great job with assessing the strenghts of particular players. Frimpong was a decent player before Alonso's stint, now he's an absolute key player. I think, Alonso could talyor a fitting strategy.

[@cy_pher03]

I think Trent absolutely can play in a double pivot being the more attacking one. The advantage of a double pivot is, that the defensive capabilities and physicality of each DM doesn’t need to be as high as for a single pivot. With the three CBs behind them Mac Allister and Trent could easily play as deep-lying playmakers with enough defensive security. Plus Trent is still young and can easily improve his physicality by gaining weight and building up muscle

[@mohamedabdelkader8665]

Awesome work Football Meta thanks.Managers who could replace Klopp at Liverpool Marco Silva, Zidane,Roberto De Zerbi,Postocoglou,Hansi Flick,Steven Gerrard,Jose Mourinho,Antonio Conte,Luciano Spaletti,Thomas Frank,and Xabi Alonso. Do you think Klopp as a German Coach all about(Gegenpressing) and when he left it to ball possession Liverpool getting very up and down?

[@kierancassidy5153]

You have to build the team around Trent more than Van Dijk n Salah. Trent is Liverpool the system has always been around him. Trent is the 2nd name on the team sheet behind Alisson. He’s going to be captain in 2/3 years time. Whether he’s at RB, RWB, DM or CM the team should be built around him. Xabi is either gonna have to adapt to the personnel at Liverpool or switch how he plays and use Trent how he uses Grimaldo. There’s plenty of ways to end up in 3421 in possession. 4231/433 with either a fullback overlapping holding width with the winger tucking in, or fullback back inverting with 2 cm’s pushing up n wingers holding width

[@damadefeso]

No we don’t. Yo, you ppl think TAA is undroppable. He is.

[@n0body550]

@@damadefesopoint is that he’s literally early 20’s, build the team round the guy that will be there his whole career

[@amenboughanmi5819]

The system is Mo Salah my friend wether it's in the 4-3-3 or the 3-2-2-3 wether he played as a forward or as wide winger he is the most creative, the most in chance creation the top assister and the top the goalscorer so the system runs through him not Trent. Liverpool tried changing their system to fit Trent capabilities but everytime they encounter shortcomings especially defensively with h even when he played in the midfield

[@Dude0000]

@@n0body550 so have the whole club completely reliant on one player? Isn’t that a bit risky?

[@musayibghani3986]

No way man. Trent needs to be dropped as soon as conor Bradley comes back, he's infinitely a better full back and can actually defend. I don't understand the hype, every opposition manager targets Trent and know his 1v1 defending is abysmal, he's the weakness in our team, the amount of work Konate has to do to cover for his deficiencies leaving him exposed.

[@nobuffterry7313]

In the premier league smaller teams tend to go for low block unlike Germany. So having 5 defensive players excluding fullbacks may be tough

[@myownlilbubble]

There is a chance through the middle..double pivot with Endo and Macca...Macca can go offensive...Endo is disciplined enough to keep to his spot.

[@benwatson488]

Never in a million years would it happen - BUT - sounds like the way his Bayer team is set up, would in theory be replicable with a fully fit Chelsea team. James / Chilwell as the dynamic full backs, Enzo and Caicedo as the midfield pivot, Palmer and nkunku supporting striker and.. Osimhen? To be the boniface.

[@thomaskennedy8475]

Definitely works better if hes insistent on bringing that system wherever he goes. But I doubt it, the modern manager should be adapting to the squad he inherits and not make it about his system but totally agree that Chelsea have the best personnel for this BL system to work. Biggest problem is the two weapons that are James and Chilwell are injury prone and difficult to build around because of that. But they are two proper dynamic wing backs. A pity

[@GuyJames]

@@thomaskennedy8475 there's nothing stopping Poch basically copy-and-pasting BL's system onto Chelsea. It might work better than what he's doing now

[@Big_Kala]

How does this fare against a low block? 🤔

[@rwinter13rw]

you've got two good 10's, Frimpong on the edge of the box, a strong striker in the box and Grimaldo whipping in crosses, so I guess they'd be fine

[@kampinak]

both managers and players are capable of adapting, Liverpool and Klopp have been doing that over the years, they will be fine if Alonso comes in, Salah and Trent will be fine

[@ubauba6530]

I would be surprised if Alonso comes in and tries to replicate the Leverkusen set-up. It works where he is now, but like you've highlighted, there's just gaping holes in applying that to the current Liverpool squad, especially with two of their best players. That is my biggest concern with Xabi, the question mark over whether he is good enough to adapt and create a team style that complements both him and the players available to Liverpool. It's both an exciting and daunting time rn as a Liverpool fan.

[@KP-ei9yp]

Well done!

[@grevisconstant3286]

Szoboslai would be absolutely perfect for the chance creation role on the right side. He's quick, he's decent in defending, he's a goal threat in and outside the box, and he can find players long or short, can cross, can dribble his way through tight spaces. Curtis Jones would be a much better option than Gakpo, another chance creator with an eye for a pass, maybe even Elliott gets a shout. I think Alonso will change his current system to one that's more suitable to the players at Liverpool. But honestly it'd be a fool for Alonso to move now, he should at least stay at Leverkusen another season, let someone take over at Liverpool and fail to win any trophies, FSG would then go for him.

[@rocketiain84]

Its like Klopp has the FM in game pause button available, wanders off rewatches the last 10 mins then cracks on making changes. Still hate him as a die hard nufc fan but my god Im going to miss him mugging off other managers and clubs too.... defo a total all time PL legend.

[@Tshreds908]

I think that Connor Bradley would be a good alternative right back if he keeps performing on a high level

[@velio84]

I actually think with current Liverpool squad, Salah and Darwin could take the two 10 spots and Jota could be the main main in the penalty box. Darwin having the free pass to do whatever he wants (like Wirtz) will be just mayhem. And you really want Jota to pick up any ball in the opposite box and finish it first time. Indeed, watching this video makes me way way more excited with Xabi as LFC coach.

[@rikachu571]

Listening to this I couldn’t help but think that Chelsea’s squad seems an excellent fit for Alonsos brand of football. In Gusto and Chilwell they possess excellent attacking wingbacks. James also or he could play on the right of a three with Colwill on the left and Fofana or Badiashile central. Lavia, Gallagher, Enzo and Caicedo give good depth in the double pivot. Palmer and Nkunku would be perfect as dual 10s. Don’t get me wrong, it won’t happen but it just seems a good fit.

[@sjolson68]

I think it's one one option for him to stay with the same system. I believe Alonso crafted this system to suit the squad he had and there's no reason he can't change it in many directions - both teams tactically are also very fluid.

[@Kizzster]

So basically Liverpool need Frimpong and possibly Hincapie, Trent can finally be a deep midfielder with Mac Allister. Szobo can be pushed up, Salah goes back to being an inverted forward or the 10. Nunez as the Boniface to feed to. Wirtz will probably be impossible with a 100m+ price tag.

[@janolavfest1415]

Salah might not be here next season. If we get 150 for him, Wirtz might be an option

[@Kizzster]

@@janolavfest1415 There no where else Salah can go Saudi is dead and Mo loves the PL and CL. Guess we'll see but he's far from going to a retirement league

[@GuyJames]

@@Kizzster the money the Saudis were offering was ludicrous. if they decide to have one last go and LFC knew Xabi was coming and needed Wirtz, they might say yes this time

[@Kizzster]

@@GuyJames True but no one is happy playing in Saudi it's a soulless league and will just slowly turn into the Chinese league which is dead now or it'll be a retirement league

[@GuyJames]

@@Kizzster for sure. but maybe there are amounts of money that simply can't be turned down, we'll see

[@fredisazombie]

everyone is doing this video for obvious reasons, but this is the best analysis i’ve seen so far. the only thing i’d add is that i think it could be really interesting for trent for two reasons: 1st, i see grimaldo’s role as kind of a free one in the sense that he can wander around and affect play as he choses via delivery and intelligent runs. think trent is more at home in wide areas and this could suit him pretty well. he’s also an underrated defender imo. 2nd, if he is going to continue towards conversion into a 6 in a double-pivot, i can’t think of another former player better qualified to teach him that role. been watching xabi highlights recently and it’s so reminiscent of what trent is doing now. i’d also just add that alonso’s leverkeusen system would be a really intelligent evolution for this group of players. whatever happens, we’re going to lose the best cb and gk in the world soon, so a little extra cover and control will be needed. also seeing elliott and carvalho playing as those 10’s would be sick. top video, top man. YNWA

[@fredisazombie]

also luis diaz could be frimpong all day

[@fergie4246]

I think trent will thrive in the double pivot alongside mcallister. Trent is so good on the ball, and watching him in that cm role he keeps it really well under pressure, exactly what that position requires. Also leverkusen use small passes until the opposition bunch up, then one of their double pivots always switches play with a long ball to the wide man. Again, perfect for Trent. Bradley to rwb. Honestly dont see any issue at all with Trent. My issue is salah/jota/gakpo/jones/szoboslai/elliot all for 2 positions.

[@tiparess17]

I am a fan of alonso as a player His work is remarkable Im wondering will he be brave enough to change to a different formation for the types of players he will have at LFC and if he lacks a proper CB or DM will he be able to manage to get the team play and get results I hope he can and is brave enough he has the required knowledge and experience to do it

[@myownlilbubble]

He will adapt....he said if before many times, his coaching philosophy is to make use of his players strength and he like being flexible. He would not bring his Bayer style to Liverpool 1-for-1 fit.

[@Apcjrahdocr]

You have to understand that Alonso is a great coach because he has both a good system, but also allows his best players to play in roles that maximize their talents. Last year the LWB position was played by Bakker who is a very traditional Wingback. Grimaldo came in and he was allowed to play to his strengths because Alonso knew how much that would improve the team. It’s logical to assume that the Frimpong role is not a predetermined role in the system, but an adaptation to maximize a special talent. Another great example is how last year Diaby was given the freedom to play as a sort of inverted winger instead of being forced to play as a true 10. Based on all of that I think Alonso will be perfectly able to adapt his system in order to maximize Liverpools best players. Robertson might not be as good of a dribbler and scorer as Frimpong (contrary to what you claim) but that doesn’t matter as he will simply play as a traditional Wingback just like Bakker did. Trent can play RWB and, just like Grimaldo, will have the freedom to play more in the half spaces as a playmaker. Also by being part of a back 5 his defensive responsibilities will be less which can only help. Also Salah will be able to play however he likes and in fact his preferred style is actually quite similar to how diaby played last season. The only positions where I really don’t think that an adaptation is possible is in the back 3-2. But that doesn’t matter as Liverpool have the players to play those roles already.

[@ciaranmccormack4434]

Trent in a double pivot would be ideal with Curtis Jones, Diaz or Bradley would be fantastic as the frimpong esc player. Szabozlai and Jota as the 10’s and Darwin up top. I think your problem is a LB with the quality to be a playmaker

[@danielbasalious47]

1-3-4-1-2 would work better for liverpool and put mac alister at the 10 salah and nunez for the top 2

[@CRUUUNCHYY]

Genuine question, why do you include the goalkeeper in the lineup?

[@mkf628]

sounds like you'd be a pretty good manager mate, mr fine details eagle eye!

[@Greene0]

Alonso is not obsessed with the 3-4-2-1 and he plays to his players abilities so he’s not even going to play 3-4-2-1 if he’s to get the job

[@chukwunwikeifeabunike495]

Those fullback heatmaps are insane 😅

[@StamenDendrobium]

TAA would fit in 1 of the 2 pivots much better than the inverted RB he's playing now. Also Salah always likes to drift inside to the right-10 (aka KDB) position anyways, & the front 3 of Klopp always interchange positions with 1 another regardless of the personnel. So I think the problem is actually too many players to fit in the front 3, but not enough for the rest of the team

[@aniubom4084]

Do a vido on pochetino masterclass against emery

[@H.Ali_08]

Allison, Robbo / Diaz (lwb) Quansah (lcb) VVD (cb) Konate (rcb) Bradley (rwb) MacAllister / Grav (cdm) Trent / Endo (cdm) Szobolzai/Elliott (ram) Gapko/Jones (lam) Nunez / Jota (St) Notes: - Salah sold for £150-200m seems inevitable - Trent has to play in the team and can see him being coached well into the former xabi-alonso role - Diaz can do that left sided role well for me. Not an absolute killer poacher like Mane but can be creative and energetic down the left. - we have a fair few CAMs like Elliott and Gapko who Klopp is trying to shoehorn into a 4-3-3 without it really working. Alonso's system may be the key to unlocking our array of CAMs. - Jones and Szobo can also cover CDM.

[@NoName-pl7zm]

Gomez is a better player than quansah by far

[@H.Ali_08]

@@NoName-pl7zm not in central defence - Gomez is a top player but I don't want him to be the last line of defence he is too mistake prone. I prefer him at full back where he can see the game and distribute the ball well, and use his defensive skills

[@raphealadu-gyamfi5885]

Diaz would be v effective especially with his dribbling just like wirtz but he keeps too long in releasing de ball to his players , it’s something dat if Alonso comes he needs to work on him

[@vishaldeka5298]

9:05 that is the kind of coaching that can build a strong team from average players. That is the reason Barcelona are so poor under Xavi while Girona is flying under Michel despite both teams having a very similar style of play. Xavi has a good idea but he has not/cannot train players to play the way they should for the idea to work. So Barca players end up looking clueless when they have the ball.

[@MuhammadIrfan-qi7ep]

Xabi managerial career shows exceptional tactical versatility. Him as a player though, will fit in the current Liverpool system like a glove. Given that, I’m intrigued what tactical tweak he will make on this Klopp squad without implementing exact Leverkusen system

[@biomatrixx5511]

I wonder for that winged-back role would Conor Bradley work? He was amazing against Chelsea and I think Xabi can make a use of him if Liverpool will sign him as the new manager

[@derekneville8175]

Also Alonso could simply use something that's not broken and try to not fix it until he knows which players wish to stay or go.

[@sm0iks698]

i think it would be better for mac allister to be a number 10 with curtis going to DM and dominik could play RM as he does have an engine and has played on the right before

[@markus_k]

Question: How can Levenkusen be on rank 20 on total touches in the first third within a league with 17 other teams?

[@paulpennington2239]

What all the commentators fail to say is that the best managers set up systems to get the best out of the players they have. And this is what Xabi had done in a season and 1.5 seasons at BL.

[@tdyerwestfield]

The lack of sample size is worrying, but all the stats point towards Xabi Alonso being the next big thing in coaching towards Guardiola levels. The main worry is that Liverpool don't get him now and he goes to Bayern or Real Madrid and proves how good he is.

[@myownlilbubble]

I doubt he would go to Bayern..a direct league rival to Bayer .....at least not so soon.😅 Ancelotti extended his contract instead of the Brazil NT....he probably saw Neymar fat😂😂. Ancelotti said he wants to retire club football management in RM. So it make sense...IF Xabi go to Liverpool>RM>Bayern.....just like his career😅

[@kmahta]

Mo can play in Right side & Szobo in left. Also let's not forget during Real Socided he did use 433. Alonso can automatically adjust himself.

[@AkiraEdits]

I reckon Trent could do the Wirtz free role pretty well. Hes not as mobile as Wirtz for sure but he is one of the most gifted passers to ever play the game + in the current Klopp system he has a pretty free role to influence the game in which ever way he thinks is best although there is a question of whether you would prefer him in the build up instead of being a 10.

[@Karg537]

Wirtz is more than a passer/ playmaker. He is closer to Diaz mix with Odegaard. The actual playmaker from mid is Xhaka.

[@thomaskennedy8475]

Agree that TAA is nowhere near as mobile or have that low centre gravity to cruise around. I also wouldnt fancy TAA in tight spaces with his back to goal. I actually think Trent would continue the way he plays which is not to disimilar to Álex Grimaldo who comes in to help the midfield and clocks up assist.

[@myownlilbubble]

Don't be surprised if Salah plays the 10. He did it before in Roma when Totti was injured.

[@arcadeians]

It could work but the PL is very different from the bundesliga so wether that works in the new league is to be seen I don’t think so but I might be wrong

[@yewo-bb8er]

I doubt that he'll use the 3-4-2-1 at Liverpool if he gets the job there And another good managerial option for Liverpool could also be Nagelsmann. He's very tactically flexible, and he's coached at both Leipzig and Bayern, where at Leipzig they played with the Gegenpressing style, and at Bayern with more of a possession style Also, in terms of availability I'd rather see Alonso coach at least one more season at Leverkusen to see how far he can take the team, whereas Nagelsmann will be available in the summer after leaving the Germany job

[@dss5295]

I do see Alonso playing a 3 5 2, with maybe a more physical DM, a creative CB, and a RM to compete with Diaz: Nunez/Jota Salah Robertson Szoboszlai Trent Diaz MacAllister Gomez Van Dijk Konate

[@AlphaMaleMy]

Xabi is a clever dude, what makes you think he will stick with 3-4-2-1 with the LFC squad, I think he will find the best formation that suits the team and his style

[@myownlilbubble]

Endo, Macca and Trent would be the pivotal players if Xabi decided to play wingback for certain matches. Remember Xabi said it again and again...he like to set up the formation according to the players available and want to make use of their strength.

[@scott3232]

I think this system actually suits Trent even more than our current one. He could easily be used in the same way Alonso plays Xhaka, he's there deep playing mid that also gets forward, perfect for Trent. Trent is also recently been playing in a double pivot and looks far better there than asked to play RWB and get back and defend the oppositions winger. I do think the one area that wouldn't fit is the LWB, I can definitely see Bradley thriving in that Frimpong style on the right but both Robbo and Tsimikas are nowhere near the type of player style of Grimaldo. The other players I can't see fitting in this formation and system is Salah and Diaz both are predominantly wingers and this system and formation is without wingers. We have however an abundance of players that can play in the double pivot and the two number 10 roles. If Alonso was to come and play the same formation and system as Leverkusen are right now then Salah, Diaz, Robertson, Tsimikas are players at more threat of being moved on, given their ages and that Tsimikas has been bit part player and Diaz hasn't exactly been consistent, I wouldn't have issues with this. We would however need to sign defenders and its something we all would of been expecting this summer anyway as the main focus in our transfers.

[@samuel_338]

Diaz would be perfect for LWB role, always pressing, dribling and his 1v1 would be fire

[@mothflame1763]

let him be at Leverkusen, let him enjoy his time at Bundesliga. Its a great learning experience to be in this league, plus EPL have broken many top manager or demyth them. He's not only a legend at Liverpool, theres other place too, just saying.

[@Drizztpool]

This only begs one question: Why would Xavi Alonso AGREE to come manage Liverpool? I mean, think about it for a second. He has everything built up and going for him in Leverkusen, he has the fan's support, he has the owners' support (whether he wins the Bundesliga or comes in second), he has everything he could ever wish for - Why would he decide to leave it all and come manage Liverpool? Especially due to him knowing a bit about Liverpool's state with its owners and due to the fact that he probably knows he wouldn't get most of what he wants.

[@renejeffrey3234]

I could probably write a book about why he could join LFC. Let's start with the obvious, he knows the fanbase, expectation, league, language as well as being a former star player at LFC. 2nd reason, he has mentioned in the past (in interview not even that long ago) that he would love to manage LFC one day. He even an agreement with Leverkusen that allow him to leave for LFC, Madrid or Bayern if that opportunity come. 3rd, Money if he is about to replace Klopp who is one of the highest paid manager in the world at LFC, it is fair to assume he would receive a significant increase in salary. 4th reason, the players, LFC have very good player actually, even if FSG does not offer him a blank cheque for recruiting new player, it is fair to assume he will have quality players to build his team. 5th unfinished business, he already mentioned it in the interview that he would love to join but one of his biggest regret as a footballer was not being able to win the premier league as an LFC player, he could rectify that. Finally 6th, he is a pupil of Guardiola and one of his best friend (Arteta) are currently direct rival to LFC in their quest to win the title. I am sure his competitive nature would push him to challenge both of them.

[@Theuncensoredtruth230]

What about he comes to Chelsea? How will he set up

[@stuart_edward]

Conor bradley would be unreal in this system. Not quite as quick as frimpong, not far off him mind, but he'd be perfect. He can do everything. Great defender, runs for days, great vision, great finishing, aggressive, crosses really well, dribbles well..

[@dragonslayer8620]

I think actually Robertson/Tsimikas will Do the Grimaldo role and Trent will start as Rwb but function in the 10 position and Salah will get into the Frimpong attacking positions, that would Maybe tweak it to a 3-4-3

[@robysantosa8833]

IMO Luis Diaz has all the attributes for the RWB role. Has pace, can dribble, good finisher, works hard. Similar to how Juan Cuadrado used to play for Chelsea

[@samuel_338]

LWB

[@1lamafarmer]

It's strange that you say Alonso's skill is picking the right player for the position he wants them to play. Surely it's got to be the opposite? He's only been at the club one season, it's not like he's built the squad around the formation he wants to use. He's picked the formation because it's the best way for specifically THAT team to play. Are you saying he wouldn't be able to feel out a formation and set of tactics that work for Liverpool's specific set of players, given that it's already a team that adheres to his general footballing philosophy? I'd say it's likely he can.

[@shashurimagrease2890]

Imagine Liverpool v Leverkusen in the Europa League final. I will literally take a job leave to watch that game 😬

[@AlexandriaTheSecond]

Leverkusen will win that game

[@clillep]

I could see us sell salah and diaz, and buy a defender or two and a strong defensiv e midfield to protect TAA side

[@AMouldyAlmond]

I see xabi changing his formation when he comes to lfc. He has used the 433 and 4231, at Real Madrid youth and real sociedad b, both of which fit lfc. If he keeps his formation, salah will be sold (but I think he will leave regardless) Trent and macca will be the double pivot and Bradley will play rwb. Szobo and gakpo will be the 10s and nuñez up front

[@pung4759]

Thing is he might change/tweak his formation as trent could be the best player he will have at his disposal

[@vaughansealey5656]

As a Liverpool fan I’m hoping we get Xabi the season after next. He needs some experience coaching in the champions league imo.. otherwise, he’s a lock for the next generation

[@chipm0nkey]

This talks about best XI but with injuries and suspensions it's never thus. I think LFC have enough squad depth to make this system work and I think Xabi is perfect for LFC after Klopp. I even think Salah could play down the middle up front or convert more to a number 10. But he may decide to go in the summer any way.

[@guesswork8332]

Alonso should stick with Bayer04 and try to dominate Europe. I would love him at Liverpool but he is making history with Leverkusen right now and I'd love to see that continue.

[@DIN_A8]

Leverkusen is a freak of nature team this season. Most fun team to watch.

[@manzourahmed3383]

How do you mark Frimpong? Micky van de Ven. Wutz, Maddison? Spurs vs Leverkusen will be nuts!

[@joelabsalom968]

Can you do a video like this if Thomas Frank was to be Liverpool manager please???!!!!

[@richard99970]

Not a chance that our current squad could play that system. If we play that system you can forget about our current forwards and Trent plus i dont think Endo and MacAllister fit either as they are not physically impising enough.

[@tyneskipper]

you should rename this piece "why clubs abroad that the english media think are small and unimportant should have no right to ever keep elite talent"

[@CoolRunningMedia]

I want the worst for Liverpool BUTTT can’t help but wonder this style against the prem & pep

[@myownlilbubble]

He can build a team arohnd Trent without openly making Trent the focal point. One injury to Trent...it is back yo square one....

[@zachevans7132]

Conner Bradley at RWB!

[@azfarmohamed9092]

I think if alonso ended up at Liverpool, he might play his best formation based on available players with minor tweaks

[@stuart_edward]

Trent isn't lightweight at all what are you talking about?! Hasn't got the mobility either? Bad analysis there. He's maybe not that biting little scrapper like Endo, he maybe doesn't crash into tackles as much, but he's certainly mobile. I think trent needs a free role like that of KDB to do what he does best. Something like this: Alisson Konate Virgil Quansah Bradley Jones Macca Robbo Trent Salah Nunez Bradley and Robbo are the epitome of endless energy and would absolutely thrive in those roles, both having the energy and ability to massively affect the attack, but equally both have the endeavour, mentality and stamina to get back into defensive shape without the ball. Something Trent simply doesnt have. He needs to be our KDB as I said. Konate and Quansah are PERFECT for those right and left CB roles too! Both quick, both good on the ball both great at covering the wingbacks, both can pass well. Captain Virg in the middle keeping everyone right. Mac Allister and Jones are PERFECT for those midfield roles. They retain the ball brilliantly and are very good at pressing. Both have the technique and close control to do well in a tight middle of the park. Trent in the role I've put him in would be completely free of the defensive shackles that have held him back for years! He'd be free to do what he's actually best at, being a match winner! Nunez and Salah would have top service from Bradley, Robbo and Trent. Jota has a shout on form and would score tonnes!

[@dataflick6582]

I dont think Alonso is dying to go to liverpool because he wants to test his team against the elite UCL team Real Madrid and the elite EPL team City. Its clear his team has transcended the domestic clubs. It'll be a once in a decade kind of clash if it happens.

[@thetopfootycoach]

Formations aren't important, roles are and Leverkusen are a prime example of that

[@huwthomas8780]

If he's a top manager then he won't try to replicate exactly what he's doing now, he'll base his tactics on the players that he's got. Is the system that Klopp started off with at Liverpool the same that he ended with at Dortmund? Honest question, I don't know

[@huwthomas8780]

Ok, question answered

[@huwthomas8780]

I really should have waited till the end😂

[@RichardSANewell]

This lad is like Jon Richardson with football knowledge. Similar voice too.