Towards the end of his playing days, Mikel Arteta appeared destined for a future career as a coach.
The Spaniard was never a top player, but looked to have the necessary qualities to make a go of it on the touchline.
After spending time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Arteta was given the chance by Arsenal at the tender age of 37.
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The Gunners have stuck by Arteta through some sticky periods but now look set to reap the benefit and are strong favourites to take Liverpool‘s title as champions at the end of the current season. It was a bold move for Arsenal to hire a man with no experience at all as a manager, but it has paid off.
As Liverpool lurch from defeat to catastrophic defeat under Arne Slot, they may soon have the chance to make a similarly daring appointment. There are managers out there who could improve Liverpool instantly, but why not give the reins to an exciting young coach instead?
If the Reds do sack Slot and decide to stick their necks out and hire someone based on future potential, they should look no further than former midfielder Thiago Alcantara.
Thiago soaks in applause from Anfield as he says goodbye to Liverpool.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Thiago could become one of the world’s best coaches
If Arteta was destined to become a coach, then Thiago looks even more pre-ordained for greatness.
The former Liverpool No. 6 had one of the best brains in football during his playing career and learnt from some of the game’s most iconic managers.
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Few players had the luxury of being coached by both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, while Thiago also spent time under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti, Luis Enrique and Hansi Flick.
Having retired last summer, Thiago is currently working as part of Flick’s coaching team with Barcelona.
The 34-year-old clearly has designs on becoming a coach one day, and although a move to the dugout would seem premature, whoever gets their hands on him first is likely to be taking a chance on a future star.
For Liverpool, it would seem unlikely that Thiago would be in the frame should Slot be relieved of his duties. But as Arteta has shown, maybe he should be.
If not now, then the Reds should certainly be keeping close tabs on their former midfielder’s progress for a potential hire down the line.
Thiago has unfinished business at Anfield
In many ways, Thiago’s career can be compared to that of fellow former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
“I want to emphasis one more time that I am responsible for the current losses. You are responsible when you’re winning, but you are also responsible when you’re losing.”
Arne Slot after Liverpool’s defeat to Nottingham Forest
Liverpool's Dutch manager Arne Slot reacts during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Anfield
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Both men played for Liverpool and Bayern Munich, with spells at Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid between them. Thiago and Alonso were similarly cerebral footballers who have a clear and defined understanding of the game.
Alonso feels destined to manage Liverpool in the future, with the Champions League winner keen on representing each of his former clubs on the touchline.
Thiago could potentially take a similar path. He has unfinished business at Anfield after an injury-hit period with the Reds and if he is on the lookout for a managerial job in the near future, Liverpool should have that conversation with him.
Hiring inexperienced coaches to manage in top divisions can certainly go badly wrong, but with Arteta as the blueprint – and Alonso and Cesc Fabregas to keep in mind – Thiago could end up being a shrewd appointment when the time comes.