Phil Thompson names 'natural fit' to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and possible alternative

Anfield great Phil Thompson believes Steven Gerrard would be a 'natural fit' to succeed Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager - but would not discount Pep Lijnders from the running.

Aston Villa boss Gerrard, who returned to Anfield at the weekend for the latest Liverpool Legends match against Barcelona, has been linked with taking over from Klopp in the past.

While the Kop icon has publicly admitted he'd like to be Reds boss one day, he has repeatedly sidestepped the possibility of replacing the German, whose current deal expires in the summer of 2024.

Gerrard took up his first senior managerial role when he moved to Scotland in 2018 to take charge of Rangers after spending time working at Liverpool’s academy. His Rangers side ended a prolonged period of dominance for Glasgow rivals Celtic who, at the start of last season, were aiming to win their 10th successive league title.

However, in November, Gerrard returned to England to take over at Villa following Dean Smith’s sacking, and he has so far won eight, drawn two and lost nine of his 19 games in charge.

Gerrard represented Liverpool on 710 occasions across 17 seasons, scoring 186 goals and registering 145 assists. But when asked about the prospect of one day becoming Reds manager last summer, he was quick to play down the links.

"I can't control any media speculation about my position. I don't welcome it, I don't add to it," Gerrard told ESPN.

But Thompson, who was assistant manager of Liverpool when Gerrard first broke into the first team, could see the 41-year-old returning to Anfield one day. And the former Sky Sports pundit believes his recent transfer activity at Villa could be a big draw for the Reds.

“I think he would be and you can see him as a natural fit.