Steven Gerrard will assume the title of manager for the first time this summer as he takes charge of Liverpool’s Under-18s.
While great players do not automatically evolve into exceptional tacticians, the 36-year-old possesses the traits to do well in the dugout.
His route into management only further emphasises that characteristic. Gerrard could have immediately entered the dugout following his retirement, with MK Dons offering him the opportunity to be at their helm.
Instead, he turned that down and was prepared to start at the bottom of Liverpool’s youth structure to ensure he was building a proper foundation to flourish as a coach.
“It's about development, it's about improving and I know exactly where I am,” Gerrard explained in February.
“I could have taken other coaching positions and management roles on name or reputation, but I think that would have been a stupid thing to do and a decision on emotion.”
Gerrard does not bank on his status and even during the discussions over his return to Liverpool, he made it clear that any role he gets should be based on what he could offer and learn rather than what he achieved as a player.
Jurgen Klopp also indicated that more should follow Gerrard’s lead and eschew going straight into the top job.
“Maybe more managers could be made in England in the future if they can start working at the beginning, and not in the middle or the end,” the Reds boss said.
Gerrard’s humility will guarantee that he continues to grow, adapt and improve as he takes the next step in his career.
In Gerrard’s own words: “I want to be a manager. I want to be the best manager I can be eventually and this is the beginning of the journey.”