Liverpool legend Rafael Benitez has urged caution around Xabi Alonso taking the hot seat.

Alonso is thriving at Bayer Leverkusen this season, leading them to the top of the Bundesliga.

Now he is being linked with the Anfield job, as a replacement for departing Jurgen Klopp.

Benitez, who won the Champions League with the Reds, told The Guardian: “He's a big name, good professional, good lad, clever, doing really well so I understand why [Alonso is being linked with Liverpool].

“[But] imagine Steven Gerrard was around and doing well. Then it would be: 'Gerrard!'

“With social media everything is going too fast so that people don't see the big picture."