Xabi Alonso becomes Bayer Leverkusen boss: Which footballers would make great managers?

Bayer Leverkusen have appointed Liverpool and Real Madrid legend Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

It will be the Spaniard’s first senior job within management, after spending three years in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team before departing the role in June to pursue a new challenge.

Alonso enjoyed strong levels of success with the Basque club, guiding them to promotion to the second division in 2021.

A feat which they hadn’t achieved in the 60 years prior to Alonso’s appointment.

And so, based off his initial success, one would presume that Alonso has done well to tap into the wealth of knowledge afforded him by the many iconic managers he played under.

Across his spells with Liverpool, Madrid and Bayern Munich it’s probably not all that surprising to hear that Alonso worked with the best.

His first real elite manager came in the form of Rafael Benitez at Liverpool. A manager known for his ingenious tactical configurations; Alonso would have picked up plenty from his countrymen.

At Madrid, he was managed by none other than Manuel Pellegrini, Carlo Ancelotti and Jose Mourinho.

And when he finally arrived at Bayern, he arguably got the best of the lot in the form of Pep Guardiola.

One can only imagine the depth and breadth of knowledge Alonso has picked up throughout his illustrious career.

Add that to his already astute footballing intellect and, well, you have yourself a supreme managerial mind.

In theory, at least. Management of course has plenty more to it than the bare concept of managing a game, you of course need to lead the squad too.

But Alonso has had the best set up anyone could wish for.

Which got us thinking, which other top footballers have been groomed for managerial success?

We’ve listed 10