Xabi Alonso following Steven Gerrard's coaching career closely as he tips former Liverpool team-mate to become 'a big manager one day'

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Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been keeping a close eye on Steven Gerrard's fledgling coaching career and believes his old team-mate can have a similar level of success in management as he did as a player.

Gerrard took charge of the Reds' U18s in the summer and has made a strong start, his side still undefeated six games into the campaign.

The Anfield legend is also getting a feel for management on the European stage, leading the club's U19s in the UEFA Youth League, where they have won one and lost one of their first two matches. 

Steven Gerrard took charge of the Reds' U18s in the summer and has made a strong start

Former team-mate Xabi Alonso (right) has been keeping a close eye on his progress

And Alonso, who partnered Gerrard in midfield for five years, has been watching from afar and is predicting big things.

'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 35-year-old, who retired at the end of last season, told Liverpoolfc.com.

'For sure, to have someone with his knowledge [will help Liverpool's youngsters]. But it's different, 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.'

The Spaniard was speaking at a ceremony that saw Gerrard receive the 2017 Legend of Football Award in London earlier this week. 

The Englishman joined Pele and Kenny Dalglish in winning the prestigious award and Alonso says it is well deserved.

Alonso (right) and Gerrard (left) spent five years together at Anfield between 2004 and 2009

'Of course we had so many experiences together, so many highs, a few lows as well,' said the World Cup-winner.

'For sure, he deserves this kind of award. He's a true legend of the game and I think that's why he's so praised and we appreciate him so much.' 

'I remember my first days in Liverpool. He was a true leader by example, not just in words, and you had to watch and learn from him and keep him close, as close as I could because I knew he was going to be a good influence for me,' he continued.

'We started building a relationship on the pitch [and] off the pitch. Really he represents so well what the Liverpool pride means, the way he behaves, and since then we became really good friends.'

Gerrard attends the Legends of Football awards ceremony at Grosvenor House on Monday