Liverpool legend believes Xabi Alonso is perfect fit for Reds

Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp insists that Xabi Alonso is the best candidate to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Reds manager.

Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen took a massive step towards German football history on Saturday night as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over title rivals Bayern Munich, taking them five points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.

The win also makes it 31 games unbeaten in all competitions for Leverkusen - taking them to within one game of Bayern's record run which was achieved in 2020.

With Klopp set to depart Anfield at the end of this season, former Reds maestro Alonso has emerged as the leading candidate to take the German's place in the dugout.

And while other names have been touted, Redknapp believes Alonso would be the perfect fit to lead Liverpool into a new era.

"So much skill and awareness when he played and then to go on into coaching and just make it look so easy," he told Sky Sports.

"It's his second season as a manager, it's just unbelievable, the transformation, the players, the style of play. The differences will be that people will look at, is his system.

"They play a three at the back predominantly, obviously Liverpool, throughout the years and all their successes have played four at the back. If he gets the job, because right now he's an outstanding candidate.

"It's a big risk for him, it's a great opportunity. The opportunity of a lifetime, I don't see how you can turn it around. But it does feel in his mind, he goes to bed every night, he wants to take care, win the titles in Germany and if he comes to Liverpool, he'll be thinking 'my goodness, this has got to go right for me.'

"You're following one of the greats in football in Jurgen Klopp, it's not going to be easy but he knows he's going to have all the support from fans if he gets the job. Everyone will be buying into what he wants to do.

"The team play with great energy, he's improved players beyond recognition there. I don't see any other candidates that are as good as him."