Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has been tipped to instil a similar system to that of his former club having been appointed the new manager of Aston Villa.
After retiring from football in 2016, Gerrard soon found himself back amongst the action when he became the manager of the Reds Under-18s side for a season.
Scottish Premiership club Rangers then named the former England international midfielder as their boss in 2018 and he went on to spend three successful years at the club.
But after the departure of Dean Smith last week, it soon became clear that Gerrard would be returning to the Premier League.
Whilst at Rangers, Gerrard often played a 4-3-3 system that appeared to be a replica of Jurgen Klopp’s formation at Anfield stylistically too.
The ex-LA Galaxy player wanted his team to press high, be expansive and dominate fixtures, and – with no disrespect – The Gers’ lower quality opposition week in week out allowed the side to do so.
Now at Villa, Gerrard will have a different task on his hands by heading into a lot of fixtures as the underdog, but former Celtic player Chris Sutton does not think that it will lead the 41-year-old to change his system.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Sutton said: “It's clear that he picked up more than a few pointers while working with the academy under Klopp.
“I've watched Rangers as much as anyone and know their style. Gerrard hasn't been a tinkerman in Scotland, so Aston Villa fans can look forward to a 4-3-3.
"That will involve a narrow front three with the two inside forwards staying close to the striker, much like how Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are in close proximity to Roberto Firmino. That leaves the fullbacks room to fly forward."
After the £100million departure of Jack Grealish in the summer, the Villains now have an abundance of new signings in the final third that are yet to really find their stride at their new club.
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Emiliano Buendia, Danny Ings and Leon Bailey all joined the club ahead of the start of the season and, along with Ollie Watkins, will be battling it out for roles in Gerrard’s attacking trio.
It is no surprise that Gerrard has opted for a Klopp-esque style of play considering his former manager previously mentored him into management after his retirement.
The former Borussia Dortmund has even gone as far as saying that when he leaves the club, the role should be filled by Gerrard.
“If Liverpool were to sack me tomorrow, then maybe Kenny would be the first choice to replace me, but they would probably bring Stevie down from Glasgow,” Klopp told FourFourTwo in 2019.
“If you ask who should follow me, I’d say Stevie. I help him whenever I can.
If Gerrard is able to turn things around at Villa and prove he can manage an attacking side at the very top level then it will only be a matter of time before Liverpool come calling – it will be in 2024 more precisely, when Klopp’s contract in Merseyside expires.
