Steven Gerrard knew all LA Galaxy players' qualities even before he met them, says coach Bruce Arena

LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena (R) thinks Steven Gerrard has what it takes to be a manager in the future

Steven Gerrard has come in for a lot of praise from LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena after the midfielder joined the Los Angeles-based MLS team, reported by the Daily Mail. The Liverpool legend had moved to the MLS side this summer and has already made an impact on the coach and the squad in the last couple of months.

The 35-year-old English midfielder had signed a contract that would keep him at LA till the end of next season and Arena is already impressed with the work Gerrard has done at the club. Gerrard had also been instrumental in LA Galaxy’s 5-1 thrashing of New York City FC on Sunday.

Gerrard is one of LA Galaxy’s Designated Players (DPs) – a marquee player whose wages fall outside the MLS salary cap. He currently earns £4million annually in wages.

Gerrard will be a manager when he retires: Arena

Speaking about Gerrard, Arena said he had what it takes to be a manager at a top club one day.

“His next step in the game is to be a manager, no question about it,” Arena said. “He's very studious about what goes on. We talk about what he's done at Liverpool and we compare notes.

“He's going to be a manager after he leaves the game as a player. Where that's going to be, I don't know. I would love it if someone like that could replace me, but I don't think it's going to be with the Galaxy.

“I'd guess he'd go back to England and then you can guess where he might end up after that.”

Steven Gerrard helped LA Galaxy beat New York City FC 5-1 on Sunday

Gerrard had done his homework before moving to LA Galaxy

Arena also spoke about how Gerrard already knew everything about the team before he signed and before he went out to LA to join the squad.

“Before he came, I visited Liverpool and was surprised how much he knew about our team,” Arena said.

“By the time he got here at the end of June he knew everyone. He knew the names of players he was meeting for the first time and he knew about their qualities.”

Arena also spoke about how smoothly Gerrard’s transfer to the MLS side went through.

“He was fully prepared,” Arena continued. “We've had other players in the past where the transition of moving their families was a major chore.

“With him, it was already done. It was so smooth it was ridiculous! We'd already secured him when I went to Liverpool. It took one phone call. It was remarkable.”