Manchester United legend backs Xabi Alonso for Liverpool job

Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov has backed Xabi Alonso to succeed at Liverpool.

The Bulgarian talisman, who first gained notable acclaim at Bayer 04, believes that his former side's current boss is the smart choice to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, after the German manager revealed he'd be leaving the club in the summer.

Alonso is currently the favourite to take Klopp's place in the dugout and in good value for the links, with his Leverkusen side currently sitting top of the Bundesliga table after going unbeaten in 20 matches.

Despite only having 12 months of top flight managerial experience, Berbatov has no doubt that Alonso will thrive on Merseyside, should he make the move.

He told Betfair: "Alonso will be the number one candidate for the Liverpool job. I bet Alonso has started thinking about the Liverpool job.

"Maybe someone has contacted him already? Let’s wait and see. The only name that popped straight in my mind when it was announced Klopp was leaving was Xabi Alonso.

"Alonso is showing so far that he can handle everything. Going to Liverpool, it’ll be even more challenging for him, but he’ll have the confidence he can do it based on what he’s doing right now.

"Going to Liverpool, he’ll bring that style of play. It’ll fit Liverpool because there’s not much difference in the way they play to Leverkusen. Leverkusen press high when they need to press, they control the ball, play from the back, playing brave passes."

Speaking on Bayer's chances of winning the league this season, Berbatov added that it would be a fairytale story if his old side can pull it off.

"Xabi Alonso is doing great work at my old club," he added. "I mean, come on, they’re still the only unbeaten team in the Bundesliga.

"If they win the title, it’s going to be a fairytale ending for Leverkusen and compensating for all those years, even when I was there, coming close to winning the Bundesliga.

"Now to do it, it’ll be great for everyone supporting the club. If they do it unbeaten, oh my god, no other German club has done that."