Liverpool's potential XI under Fernando Torres as icon will 'definitely' be boss

Fernando Torres has been tipped as a future Liverpool manager by former Spain teammate Fernando Llorente, with the Atletico Madrid coach impressing in his early coaching career

Fernando Torres has impressed as a coach at Atletico Madrid(Image: Getty Images)

Fernando Torres has been touted as a potential future Liverpool manager after his outstanding work as a coach at Atletico Madrid.

The 42-year-old enjoyed a highly successful spell with the Reds during his playing days and has been backed to return to Anfield in a different role. Liverpool has endured a challenging second season under Arne Slot, and the Reds are now focusing on securing Champions League qualification.

While the manager has come under fire this season, the club is not anticipated to dismiss Slot, whose contract extends until 2027. Torres hung up his boots in 2019 and assumed a coaching position with Atletico's U19 side two years later.

He briefly shadowed Jurgen Klopp during the German's final year at the Reds, several months before taking the reins of Atletico B. Torres' former Spain teammate Fernando Llorente has suggested it is a matter of when, not if, he secures the Liverpool job.

"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."

Torres would welcome working with Rio Ngumoha due to his experience as a youth coach(Image: Getty Images)

The 42-year-old has shown significant tactical flexibility by utilizing various formations during his initial years in management, including a fluid 5-3-2 system. This season, Torres has primarily favored a 4-2-3-1 shape.

Here is how Liverpool's squad could line up under the Reds legend...

Alisson Becker appears set to retain his position as first-choice goalkeeper next season, despite Giorgi Mamardashvili deputizing for the Brazilian on multiple occasions. The Reds triggered their option to extend Alisson's contract by an additional year last month.

In defense, Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at Anfield having secured his transfer from Rennes in the January window. Given his track record of coaching young players, Torres would welcome the chance to work with the 20-year-old. Jacquet's arrival could reduce Virgil van Dijk's playing time, potentially leading to Ibrahima Konate, who is negotiating fresh terms, partnering his fellow Frenchman.

Milos Kerkez is set to establish himself as the first-choice left-back as Andy Robertson prepares to depart this summer. Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong will be keen to secure the right-back spot as Connor Bradley continues his recovery from injury.

In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have not quite replicated the heights they reached last season, yet their partnership formed the bedrock of Liverpool's title-winning campaign under Slot. Torres would be counting on the duo to rediscover their best form while providing support for Florian Wirtz, who would relish the freedom to operate as a No. 10.

Finding a like-for-like replacement for Mohamed Salah would be virtually impossible, and deploying Dominik Szoboszlai on the right wing would allow one of the squad's standout performers to switch roles with Wirtz moving forward, while also providing cover for Frimpong out wide.

On the left flank, Torres could hand Rio Ngumoha a regular first-team berth following his emergence this season. Alexander Isak is set to lead Liverpool's attack at the start of next season, giving the striker the opportunity to showcase his abilities in the wake of Hugo Ekitike's injury. Torres could, however, revert to his previous 5-3-2 formation once both forwards are fit and available.

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