Marco van Basten names perfect Jurgen Klopp heir as next Liverpool manager prediction made

Marco van Basten has explained why Arne Slot would be a 'really good' replacement for Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager. Xabi Alonso was once the favourites for the prospective vacancy at Anfield before committing his future to Bayer Leverkusen, forcing the Reds to expand their search for a new boss.

Ruben Amorim has been mooted as an alternative candidate to take the reins. But, with the Sporting CP head coach reportedly entertaining talks with West Ham and keeping his options open, Liverpool are exploring their options.

So, Van Basten has pointed the Reds in the direction of Slot. After leading Feyenoord to their first Eredivisie title in six years last season, the 45-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur but he signed a new three-year deal at De Kuip instead.

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As a result, the Lilywhites appointed Ange Postecoglou. While PSV Eindhoven are just one win away from snatching Feyenoord's title as Dutch champions, Slot has still managed to get his hands on some silverware this term.

The Rotterdam-based outfit defeated NEC Nijmegen in the KNVB Cup final at the weekend. Nevertheless, Van Basten has backed his fellow countryman to prosper at either Liverpool or Bayern Munich.

"I think he’s really good," said the legendary former AC Milan striker on Ziggo Sport’s ‘Rondo’, as quoted by the Metro. "I hope he stays in the Netherlands longer because it is an enrichment for Dutch football.

"He can really go anywhere – Bayern Munich, Liverpool… I’m really convinced of that. I’ve spoken to him a few times and I think what he does and what he sees is very strong. He gets along very well with the group of players, is tactically well-versed, can explain things well and is calm and intelligent.

"I think he can go to any club, even at the very difficult clubs, because he is so intelligent. He has a lot of qualities and he shows it at every level. He first did it at AZ, and now at Feyenoord. And Feyenoord is a really complicated club.

"He has been doing well for three years, while PSV and Ajax have much more options in terms of money. He could really fit anywhere. If you get AZ and Feyenoord to play football, you also get big clubs like AC Milan to play football.

"You can clearly see his hand where he is the coach. I think it will even be easier for him at a higher level because he has better players who understand his ideas faster. I also think he is smart enough to manage stubborn players."

Singing from the same hymn sheet, Wim Jonk also backed Slot to impress at Liverpool. The former Netherlands international said: "He gave Feyenoord a face. Arne has made enormous strides, so I would like that. Liverpool is also a bit like the Feyenoord of England."