Rafa Benitez hails Xabi Alonso’s managerial qualities but urges caution over Liverpool job

Bayer Leverkusen manager Alonso is being linked with former club Liverpool, where he starred as a player under Benitez

Rafa Benitez has hailed Xabi Alonso’s tactical acumen, but warned the Bayer Leverkusen manager to be careful before rushing into taking a role at Liverpool.

Alonso is the favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield after taking Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga this season.

The Spaniard thrived as a player at Liverpool under Benitez’s management, operating as the midfield linchpin in the Champions League-winning side of 2005.

Benitez believes it was clear to see that Alonso had the qualities to become a top coach during his playing days, but has cautioned that the clamour for him to become Liverpool boss may simply be a by-product of the social media age.

“He was clever and analysed,. When you explain things to some players, you have to repeat. Xabi was one who learned quickly,” Benitez said of Alonso, recalling a quarter-final against Juventus during that run to the Champions League final.