How Liverpool may shape up under Ruben Amorim, with a crucial Jurgen Klopp signing not included…

A possible starting XI for Liverpool under Ruben Amorim, with a notable exclusion from Jurgen Klopp’s recruits.

Ruben Amorim emerges as the frontrunner to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool

Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool’s manager.

Liverpool is currently in the midst of finding a replacement for one of the club’s most legendary managers, who surprised everyone with his decision to leave at the end of the season.

While many initially believed that Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso would be the top choice to replace Klopp due to his history with the club and accomplishments in the Bundesliga.

Alonso’s decision to stay with Leverkusen for the upcoming season was confirmed earlier this week, just before they secured a 13-point lead at the top of the table following Bayern Munich’s loss to Borussia Dortmund, effectively closing the title race.

Reports indicate that Liverpool were aware of Alonso’s plans amidst their search for a new manager, with Amorim quickly becoming the frontrunner for the position.

While Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Germany’s Julian Nagalsmann are also reportedly being considered by Liverpool, it is rumored that Amorim has the upper hand in the race to succeed Klopp.

At 39 years old, Amorim has achieved significant success at Sporting Lisbon, guiding them to their first league title in 19 years in his inaugural full season in charge.

Sporting currently lead the division once again and have impressed with 77 goals scored and only 26 conceded.

Amorim’s arrival might bring a shift in tactics for Liverpool, who have relied on Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation for the most part of his tenure at the club.

During his time at Sporting, the former Benfica midfielder has preferred a 3-4-3 setup, which could potentially impact one of Klopp’s key signings – let’s analyze how Liverpool could shape up if Amorim takes charge.

Despite Kelleher’s strong performances, Alisson is expected to reclaim his spot as the starting goalkeeper, having proven himself as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.

Virgil van Dijk has not yet agreed to a new contract at Anfield, but he has shown a return to form this season after being given the captain’s armband from Jordan Henderson. It is expected that he will play in the center of a back three alongside Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez. Liverpool may also be interested in signing either Goncalo Inacio or Ousmane Diomande from Sporting, as both players have been performing well and are rumored to be targets for a top Premier League club in the upcoming transfer window.

Amorim’s tactical setup could be a good fit for Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right side, utilizing his creative abilities. By pushing him higher up the field, he can have a greater impact in the attacking phase, while the back three formation offers more defensive support. Andy Robertson is likely to continue as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, but the club may consider signing a younger alternative. Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves has been linked with a move to Liverpool, with Klopp reportedly endorsing the transfer.

In midfield, Amorim prefers to use a double-pivot system. In this setup, Morten Hjulmand acts as the defensive midfielder, providing cover during transitions, while Hidemasa Morita plays a more attacking role, pushing forward into the box or out wide.

Wataru Endo appears to be an ideal fit for a more defensive role, while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are vying for the remaining central position. Mac Allister has proven himself as a key player for Klopp in recent weeks, giving him a slight advantage. However, Szoboszlai’s versatility allows him to cover multiple positions and could be utilized further up the field if necessary.

Viktor Gyökeres, the Sporting forward, has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 22 goals and providing 10 assists in just 25 league games. This could bode well for Darwin Nunez, who is likely to be supported by Mohamed Salah and either Luis Diaz or Diogo Jota in Liverpool’s attacking lineup.

Considering the significance of the title race for both teams, it is unlikely that Klopp’s replacement will be announced before the conclusion of the season.

Amorim is aiming for more success with his current team, however, a transfer to one of the top clubs in Europe appears inevitable.