Xabi Alonso has claimed that Steven Gerrard has "all the attributes" to become Liverpool manager one day.

The former captain, who spent 17 years playing for the Merseyside outfit, took charge as the Reds' Under-18s coach shortly after retiring last year.

Alonso, who hung up his boots at the end of last season, played alongside Gerrard for five years at Liverpool, winning the FA Cup and Champions League during that time.

"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," Alonso told the club's official website.

"For sure, to have someone with his knowledge [will help the academy players], 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."

Alonso recently revealed that he harbours his own management ambitions.