The whispers around Xabi Alonso's potential return to Liverpool just got a little louder.
A former teammate of the Spanish midfielder has thrown his weight behind the idea of seeing Alonso in the Anfield dugout, claiming he always knew the elegant playmaker was destined for the touchline.
Alonso's transformation from Liverpool legend to managerial sensation at Bayer Leverkusen has been nothing short of remarkable. The man who once sprayed passes from deep in midfield is now orchestrating success from the sidelines with the same precision and intelligence that made him such a joy to watch in red.
It's hardly surprising that those who shared a dressing room with him saw the signs early. Alonso possessed that rare combination of tactical awareness and natural leadership that marks out future coaches. His understanding of the game was always a level above, even amongst elite players.
The romantic appeal of Alonso returning to Anfield is obvious. He gets what this club means, understands the weight of expectation, and carries himself with the quiet authority that Liverpool demands from its leaders.
Whether that dream becomes reality remains to be seen, but the foundations are clearly being laid for what could be a fascinating chapter in Liverpool's story.
Credit to Ian Doyle at the Liverpool Echo for the original reporting.
