Steven Gerrard has skills to be Liverpool manager, says Xabi Alonso

Xabi Alonso has backed Steven Gerrard to become Liverpool manager

Xabi Alonso believes his former team-mate Steven Gerrard has all the attributes to become Liverpool manager one day.

After retiring last year, Gerrard began his coaching career at Liverpool's academy in February and this season has taken charge of the under-18s, as well as leading the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League.

Alonso, who recently retired, believes this is just the start for his former team-mate.

"I'm following the early steps of his career closely and for sure he has all the attributes to become a big manager and a Liverpool manager one day," the Spaniard told liverpoolfc.com.

"You can be a great player but being a manager is a different task. For sure, he's really focused and if he's able to deliver that message he will be a good one."

Alonso played alongside Gerrard at Anfield between 2004 and 2009. Both scored in Liverpool's comeback win against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul.

Alonso joined Real Madrid in 2009 where he won the La Liga title and another Champions League crown. He then moved to Bayern Munich in 2014, winning the Bundesliga title in each of his three seasons with the club.