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LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena believes Steven Gerrard will go on to manage Liverpool in the future.

The Kop legend ended his long association with the Reds this summer when he joined the Major League Soccer outfit on an 18-month deal.

Gerrard has said he hopes to serve the club again on his return from the States and Arena has no doubts about the 35-year-old’s ability to make the leap into coaching when he hangs up his boots.

“Steven’s next step in the game is to be a manager, no question about it,” he said.

“He’s very studious about what goes on. We talk about what he’s done at Liverpool and we compare notes.

“Where that’s going to be, I don’t know. At Galaxy? I hope not as I’m the manager!

“I’d actually love it if someone like that could replace me but I don’t think it’s going to be with the Galaxy. I would guess he’ll go back to England and then you can guess where he might end up after that.”

Gerrard has proved a big hit with the Galaxy, leading them to the top of the Western Conference, as they look to retain their MLS crown,

Arena has been impressed by how the former Liverpool captain has embraced his responsibilities, both on and off the pitch.

“Before he came, I visited Liverpool and was surprised how much he knew about our team,” Arena said.

“By the time he got here at the end of June he knew everyone. He knew the names of players he was meeting for the first time and he knew about their qualities.

“He was fully prepared. We’ve had other players in the past where the transition of moving their families was a major chore. With him it was already done. It was so smooth it was ridiculous.

“If Steven didn’t play football he’d be very successful at something else. He could have been a professor.

“He’s so articulate and bright. He could have made a success of anything. He made a pretty good decision becoming a footballer but he’s a pretty sharp guy."