Steven Gerrard has expressed his lack of surprise at the rapid success of Xabi Alonso as manager of Real Madrid, highlighting his former teammate’s deep understanding of the game.
During a conversation with Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard shared his admiration for Xabi Alonso‘s impressive start to his managerial career at Real Madrid. The Spanish tactician has led his team to victory in all but one match this season, propelling them to the top of the league standings.
A Natural Leader on the Field
Having shared the pitch with Alonso during their time at Liverpool, Gerrard was well-placed to comment on his former colleague’s capabilities. He described Alonso as a “student of the game,” emphasizing his intelligence and comprehensive understanding of football dynamics both in and out of possession.
“I’m not surprised by his rise and where he’s at because as a player, he was a student of the game. Very clever, spoke sense, understood the game, all facets of the game, in and out of possession,” Gerrard remarked.
The Making of a Top Manager
Gerrard’s praise didn’t stop at Alonso’s tactical acumen. He also highlighted the Spaniard’s qualities as a person and a player, suggesting that these attributes are translating well into his managerial career. “As a human being, he’s top, as a player, top. I’m sure if he continues this way, he’ll be a top manager,” he added.
The anticipation is building as Alonso prepares to face his former club in an upcoming match. His journey from being a strategic player on the field to a successful manager in the dugout is a testament to his footballing intellect and leadership skills.
A Promising Future Ahead
The football world will be watching closely as Alonso continues to carve out his path in management. With Gerrard’s endorsement and his current track record, expectations are high for what he can achieve with Real Madrid.
As Gerrard aptly put it, “He already proved it in a short space of time, he’s been really good.” The question now is: How far can Xabi Alonso take Real Madrid this season?