I always knew Xabi Alonso would follow Pep Guardiola - and that is perfect for Liverpool

Liverpool have been told why Xabi Alonso is the "perfect fit" to replace the departing Jurgen Klopp as manager.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Alonso has emerged as the strong favourite to replace Klopp when the current Reds manager departs at the end of the season after almost nine years in charge.

Since being appointed in October 2022, Alonso has transformed Leverkusen from relegation strugglers to five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga after thrashing champions Bayern Munich at the weekend, with his side unbeaten this season and also in contention for the German Cup and Europa League.

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And former Liverpool team-mate Bolo Zenden is convinced the Spaniard is ready-made for a move to Liverpool and return to the club he served with distinction for five years as a player.

"What he's doing at the moment at Bayer Leverkusen, is what's setting him apart from everyone else in the running right now," said the former Holland international. "To be able not only to challenge Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga but to absolutely batter Bayern both in their recent game, and in the league, is so impressive.

"There are certain traits in Xabi's team which you can clearly identify: they are dominant and they play possession-based, front-foot football. And when you say these kind of things, who else do you associate them with? Liverpool. For that reason, you would think Xabi would be a perfect fit for Liverpool. That move would not surprise me at all.

"It doesn't surprise me that he's gone into management. I had the same question regarding Pep Guardiola, who I played alongside