Ruben Amorim has been attracting interest from Europe’s top clubs following his success with Sporting in Portugal but what would the 39-year-old coach now linked with the Liverpool job bring to the Premier League? Adam Bate speaks to rival coaches to find out…

It has long been inevitable that Ruben Amorim would take one of Europe’s biggest jobs. Winning the title with Sporting in 2021 at the age of 36 all but guaranteed that. The fact that he is on course to repeat the feat in 2024 only underlines his ability as a coach.

Sporting recognised that this was a special talent very early, famously paying a huge release clause after his spectacular start at Braga. They bet on his tactical mind, his fierce commitment as a player, but more than anything on the power of his personality.

In conversation with a series of Portuguese coaches, some of whom have pitted their wits against Amorim this season, we will explore his rise, what it is that makes him so impressive as a coach, and, crucially, whether this can be translated into his next job.

Amorim, the player, was part of a fine Benfica team, winning three league titles in Lisbon. He was good enough to make Portugal’s World Cup squad in 2010 but is remembered as a worker, in midfield or at right-back. A team man who brought unity.