'He doesn't tick all the boxes': Liverpool should have key concern over Xabi Alonso

Liverpool should be careful about appointing Xabi Alonso as their new manager for a reason, according to Danny Murphy.

The Reds are looking for a new boss after Jurgen Klopp's shock announcement that he will leave his role as coach at the end of the season.

A name in the frame is earlier. Liverpool Alonso, midfielder and current coach of Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spaniard, who made 210 appearances for the Reds and scored 19 goals, has taken the Bundesliga team from the bottom to the top of the German top flight.

His team is currently undefeated and five points behind second place and the defending champion. Bayern Munichwhom they won 3-0 in a clash at the top of the table.

Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, former Liverpool midfielder Murphy insists there is concern over his potential appointment, much like the one Man United faced when Alex Ferguson left.

“I think in an ideal world, you'd want a coach to come in and take over.” Jurgen Klopp have a greater amount of work, even if you earn the Bundesliga.

“Like any footballer, you can have a bad streak, you can have a wonderful season and vice versa in management.

“You want a coach to come in who has had a great job, has been successful everywhere and has every chance to do what Klopp has done.

“Unfortunately, I don't think that candidate is there and stands out.

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“So what you do next, you move on to the next cadre, which is someone who is potentially capable of doing it and has the capabilities.

“It's a bit like buying a good young footballer who looks like he's going to be a world champion.

“Alonso, at this moment, because of what he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen, because of the style he is doing, he seems like a super young coach with many qualities.

“He's got a team playing for him; he's got a good style, he's easy on the eyes, very articulate, calm and he's been to Liverpool before.

“It meets many requirements, but not all.

“The problem you have is that no one does it, especially whoever comes to mind.

“That's why I say I think Alonso is going to get the job, and probably rightly so, in my opinion.

“Following Jurgen Klopp in any way is going to be difficult and a risk.

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“Managing Liverpool is very different to managing Leverkusen, because although it is a successful club, it is a much smaller club with less pressure, not even the biggest club in its own country.

“So it's a different pressure. Although Alonso has exceeded expectations, it has to be suggested that he is doing something really right.”

“The thing is now with Liverpool, when Klopp leaves, the void that will be left, especially in the short term, will be getting the fans on board, and they absolutely loved Alonso anyway.

“So it's not just about his age; even if he was a little older, didn't have many trophies and had been doing well for more years, I would still believe he would be a good candidate.

“Nor by the way he behaves, he's not really the one.” Mikel Arteta and Klopp-like jumps up and down the touchline.

“Maybe he will be when he gets to Liverpool and the stress gets to him!

“But I think everything about him screams good things and I don't see anyone else getting the job.”