Mikel Arteta has praised Xabi Alonso and predicts that the former Liverpool midfielder will go on to become a top coach.
Alonso is currently making his first strides in management after taking over at Real Sociedad B last summer, but was previously linked with a coaching role at Arsenal when Arteta was first interviewed to replace Arsene Wenger in 2018.
Having grown up together in San Sebastian, Arteta and Alonso went to different schools, but both honed their skills at amateur Spanish club Antiguoko, a feeder club for Real Sociedad.
Arteta later sealed a move to Barcelona, but the ex-Everton man later returned to Sociedad whilst Alonso joined Liverpool.
During a Q&A with the official Arsenal Twitter account, Arteta was asked about which former teammates he wouldn't be surprised to see take up coaching.
"There were a few," Arteta told the official club Twitter account.
"Xabi Alonso, when we used to play together, I knew that one day he would become a coach.
"He is coaching now at the second team at Real Sociedad and he will be a really good coach in the future, I'm sure."
In 2016, Arteta and Alonso spoke to the Arsenal YouTube channel about their friendship, and with the ex-Bayern Munich holding midfielder said he still keeps in touch with his friend, and took a particular interest in Arsenal after Arteta's move from Everton.
“I follow him very closely, because we have kept in touch forever,” Alonso said.
“When he moved from Everton to Arsenal, I wanted to know how it works there in Arsenal, and he’s enjoying it so far.”
Arteta also spoke of his admiration for Alonso: “I’m proud that he’s coming from the same city, and he’s taken that name as well when he’s been at Liverpool or Real Madrid or Bayern Munich because he’s been successful everywhere.
“The way he committed himself, the way he behaves, I think he’s a great example for every kid trying to be a footballer.”
