Xabi Alonso believes his former team-mate Steven Gerrard is ideally suited 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.

"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 ex-Real Madrid and Bayern Munich star 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."