LEWIS STEELE: De Zerbi's trip to Anfield is a trial shift to show Klopp

No matter how many impressive statements Sporting boss Ruben Amorim could make in a job interview for Liverpool, actions speak louder than words. And a fellow contender, Roberto De Zerbi, has a chance on Sunday to show the Kop just what he could bring to the job.

It's a unique position for the Brighton manager, who brings his team to Anfield on Sunday in somewhat of a trial shift.

Few words or remarks on a c.v. could win over the hierarchy and fanbase more than if De Zerbi passes this Anfield audition with flying colours.

Of course, it is a lot more nuanced than that. De Zerbi would not be offered the soon-to-be vacant Liverpool job based on the result or performance here. But a strong display could boost his case with the Reds hierarchy at the very least.

At this stage, the Italian manager has offered no indication that he would fancy the job, but there is certainly a feeling within football circles that De Zerbi and Brighton might part ways at the end of this season, with Bayern Munich and Barcelona also in the market for a new boss.

Young Portuguese manager Amorim has emerged as a strong contender. Noise around him has picked up drastically since Xabi Alonso, who Klopp described as 'the outstanding coach of his generation', conjured up a plot twist on Friday by saying he would remain at Bayer Leverkusen.

Mail Sport revealed on January 29 that Amorim would likely be considered by Anfield chiefs. His Sporting side are flying, a point clear of Benfica going into next Saturday's Lisbon derby. But De Zerbi has a strong case and serves as not just an audition for Anfield but Europe's elite.

Is De Zerbi ready to step up to one of the continental giants like Liverpool, Bayern or Barcelona?

It is a debate that has left football