Liverpool’s starting XI could look very different if they decide to replace Arne Slot with Xabi Alonso.
Pressure is mounting on Dutch manager Arne Slot following Liverpool’s latest nightmare at Anfield.
The Reds were humiliated 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday, leaving Slot’s tenure under intense scrutiny. Sections of the fanbase are beginning to question whether the 47-year-old is the right man to lead the club.
Slot enjoyed a stellar first season, guiding Liverpool to only their second Premier League title, but recent weeks have seen a dramatic downturn — the team has lost nine of their last 12 matches across all competitions.
As the pressure grows, former Liverpool star and current Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso has emerged as a frontrunner to take over at Anfield. The connection is strengthened by Liverpool’s summer signings, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, both former players under Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen — though neither has yet fulfilled expectations. Many believe Alonso could unlock their potential, and he may also seek to bring in players of his own if appointed.
Speculation over Alonso’s preferred starting XI offers a glimpse of what his Liverpool side could look like:
Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
Despite advancing age, Alisson remains one of the world’s top goalkeepers and would continue as No.1 under Alonso.
Defense: Jeremie Frimpong, Marc Guehi, Virgil van Dijk, Alessandro Bastoni, Milos Kerkez
Alonso’s Leverkusen side favored three central defenders and two wing-backs — a formation Liverpool’s current full-backs could easily accommodate. Guehi and Bastoni, both linked with Liverpool, could slot in at centre-back.
Midfield: Aurelien Tchouameni, Dominik Szoboszlai
Frenchman Tchouameni was once linked with a move to Liverpool, and Alonso may see him as the linchpin in midfield. Szoboszlai’s creativity could complement him perfectly.
Attack: Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Antoine Semenyo
Having previously worked with Wirtz, Alonso could finally unlock the German’s promise. Bournemouth forward Semenyo, linked with a move to Liverpool, could operate just behind striker Isak, adding pace and dynamism to the front line.
With Slot under pressure and Alonso’s name circulating, Liverpool’s summer transfer strategy and potential managerial change could signal a dramatic shift at Anfield.
