Fernando Torres’ Liverpool starting XI after backing to ‘definitely’ become new boss

Former Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has been backed to manage the Reds in the future

Fernando Torres has been tipped as a future Liverpool manager after impressing as a coach at Atletico Madrid. The 42-year-old enjoyed a prolific spell with the Reds during his playing days and has been backed to return to Anfield.

Liverpool have endured a difficult second season under Arne Slot, with the reigning champions now focusing on securing a Champions League. While the manager has come under scrutiny this term, the club are not expected to part ways with Slot, whose contract currently runs until 2027.

Torres hung up his boots in 2019 and began coaching Atletico’s U19 team two years later. He briefly shadowed Jurgen Klopp during his final year in charge of the Reds, a few months before becoming Atletico B boss. Torres’ former Spain team-mate Fernando Llorente believes it is only a matter of time before he gets the Liverpool job.

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“Fernando Torres as Liverpool manager one day? Definitely,” he told Hajper. “He’s taken a different path to [Como manager] Cesc Fabregas, he has been patient and has preferred to start little by little with the youth team, gaining experience.

“I think Fernando will become a great coach because he had an incredible career, knows a lot about football and has surely been preparing for the right moment to make the jump.”

The 42-year-old has shown tactical flexibility by deploying various formations during his first few years as a coach, previously capturing attention for his use of a fluid 5-3-2 system. However, Torres has primarily used a 4-2-3-1 shape this term and here is how the Liverpool squad could line up under the Reds icon.

Alisson Becker will likely remain first-choice goalkeeper next season, despite Giorgi Mamardashvil deputising for the Brazilian at various points in the current campaign. The Reds triggered the option to extend the shot-stopper’s deal for a further season last month.

In defence, Jeremy Jacquet will head to Anfield after agreeing his big-money move from Rennes during the winter transfer window. Given his coaching experiences at Atletico, Torres would relish working with the talented 20-year-old. Meanwhile, Jacquet’s arrival could reduce Virgil van Dijk’s minutes and lead Ibrahima Konate to partner his compatriot, with the France international in talks over a new contract.

Milos Kerkez is set to make the left-back spot his own as Andy Robertson prepares to leave the club this summer. Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong will hope to win the battle at right-back as Connor Bradley continues his recovery from injury.

Moving into midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have not reached the heights of last season, but the pairing provided the basis for Liverpool’s title-winning team under Slot. Torres would hope the duo can return to their best and provide cover for Florian Wirtz, who would have the licence to roam as a number 10.

Liverpool are set for a new-look attack, with Mohamed Salah bidding farewell to the Reds in the summer. Finding a like-for-like replacement would prove impossible and using Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank would allow one of the team’s standout players to interchange with Wirtz in attack while providing cover for Frimpong out wide.

On the left side, Torres could welcome the chance to make Rio Ngumoha a first team regular after his breakthrough campaign. Alexander Isak will lead the line for Liverpool at the start of next season, allowing the former Newcastle United star time to prove his worth after Hugo Ekitike’s injury. However, Torres could be tempted to switch back to his 5-3-2 formation when both strikers are fit.

Liverpool XI under Torres (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Frimpong, Konate, Jacquet, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Ngumoha; Isak.