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Fernando Torres has been touted as a potential future Liverpool manager following his impressive work as a coach at Atletico Madrid. The 42-year-old enjoyed a prolific stint with the Reds during his playing career and has been backed to make a return to Anfield. Liverpool have endured a challenging second season under Arne Slot, with the reigning champions now concentrating on securing Champions League qualification.

While the manager has faced criticism this term, the club are not expected to sever ties with Slot, whose contract currently runs until 2027. Torres retired from playing in 2019 and commenced coaching Atletico's U19 side two years later. He briefly observed Jurgen Klopp during his final year at the helm of the Reds, several months before taking charge of Atletico B. Torres' former Spain colleague Fernando Llorente believes it is merely a question of time before he assumes the Liverpool role.

"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 has demonstrated tactical adaptability by utilising various formations during his initial years in management, previously drawing praise for implementing a fluid 5-3-2 system. Nevertheless, Torres has chiefly employed a 4-2-3-1 shape this term and here is how the Liverpool squad could look were the former striker to take the job this summer...

Alisson Becker would probably retain his status as first-choice goalkeeper next season, despite Giorgi Mamardashvili standing in for the No.1 on several occasions during the current campaign. The Reds activated the clause to extend the Brazilian shot-stopper's contract for an additional season last month.

In defence, Jeremy Jacquet will arrive at Anfield following confirmation of his substantial transfer from Rennes during the winter window. Given his coaching background at Atletico, Torres would welcome the opportunity to work with the gifted 20-year-old.

Meanwhile, Jacquet's arrival could limit Virgil van Dijk's playing time and prompt Ibrahima Konate to form a partnership with his compatriot, with the France international currently in discussions over a new deal. Milos Kerkez is poised to establish himself as the regular left-back as Andy Robertson prepares to depart the club this summer.

Meanwhile, Jeremie Frimpong will aim to secure the right-back position as Connor Bradley continues his rehabilitation from injury. Moving into the engine room, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister have fallen short of last season's standards, yet the partnership formed the foundation of Liverpool's title-winning side under Slot.

Torres would be hoping the pair can rediscover their finest form and offer protection for Florian Wirtz, who would enjoy the freedom to drift as a number 10. Liverpool are poised for a revamped attacking line, with Mohamed Salah set to say goodbye to the Reds this summer.

Securing a like-for-like replacement would be virtually impossible, and deploying Dominik Szoboszlai on the right flank would enable one of the squad's outstanding performers to rotate with Wirtz going forward while offering defensive support for Frimpong out wide.

On the left wing, Torres could relish the opportunity to establish Rio Ngumoha as a first-team regular following his breakthrough campaign. Alexander Isak will spearhead the attack for Liverpool at the start of next season, affording the former Newcastle United striker time to demonstrate his credentials following Hugo Ekitike's injury setback.

Nevertheless, Torres could be enticed to revert to his 5-3-2 system when both forwards are available.

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