Ex-Liverpool star who played with Arne Slot gives verdict on him replacing Jürgen Klopp

Arne Slot is the “perfect fit for Liverpool”, according to former Reds goalkeeper Sander Westerveld. Westerveld has a unique perspective having been teammates with the Feyenoord manager during his playing career.

Slot has emerged as the leading contender to replace Jürgen Klopp at Anfield. The two clubs are believed to be in talks while Slot is reportedly keen on taking the job, according to Sky Sports.

The developments come after Xabi Alonso and Ruben Amorim were strongly linked with the job before the Dutchman emerged as the top candidate. Slot was close to becoming Tottenham manager last summer but could now finally test himself in the Premier League.

Slot was captain of Sparta Rotterdam when Westerveld joined the Dutch team in 2007, six years after leaving Anfield. The goalkeeper, who won the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup with Liverpool, says it was apparent even back then that slot was destined for the dugout.

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Asked for his thoughts before his two former clubs, Liverpool and Everton, met in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Westerveld revealed he believes it is an ideal fit.

Westerveld told Sky Sports: “Well, first of all, I hope something happens very quickly, because I’ve been giving interviews about Xabi Alonso, how good he was, and last week it was all about the Portuguese (Ruben Amorim).

“Now it’s Arne Slot, and in fact I played for him when I played for Sparta Rotterdam. He was the captain.

“People ask me if I knew back then he would be a coach. You could see he was one of those.

“He was already a perfectionist. Only football, football, football and he was always talking about tactics and everything. I think it’s a perfect fit for Liverpool and hopefully he will sign.”

Westerveld is not the only Dutch former Liverpool player who is a fan of Slot’s work. Speaking to the Liverpool ECHO last year, Dirk Kuyt said: "I am a Feyenoord man and they are doing very well at the moment.

"They have a very good manager in Slot and some of the younger guys like Kökçü and Geertruida are knocking on the door and playing very well. It won’t take long for the interest of top European teams to be there for them. I hope Liverpool is interested in Feyenoord players, and I am an example it can work!”