Until recent times, the trend of top players moving into the world of football management was something that seemed to be removed from the game.
Instead of entering the dugout, players were moving into the entertainment industry. Why take your chances in the cut-throat world of management when you could get a cushy (and well-paid) punditry gig on tv?
Thankfully, the tide is slowly turning in the other direction. Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have both started their management careers this season, and it is encouraging that they have done so at teams that could be considered to be a but further down the football totem poll. They acknowledged they would not walk into top jobs right off the bat, something other footballers had not been as accepting of.
This evening we will see another recently retired player, Mikel Arteta, take charge of Manchester City as Pep Guardiola serves a touchline ban. Arteta very nearly replaced Arsene Wenger at the Emirates in the summer, and is one many are tipping to get a top job in the future.
Looking at current players, who could feature in the next crop of managers? That is something that is difficult to predict, but these are some names you could see going down that route.
Sergio Ramos
Ramos is certainly a name you could see throwing his hat into the managerial ring in the future. The Madrid captain is a real leader of men on the pitch, both vocally and in terms of leading by example.
He is the type of person who you would love to have as a teammate, and hate if he was in opposition. He is not a shy character, and is quick to both talk himself up and goad his opponents.
The centre back would certainly not lack the self-confidence to step into management, and his ability to read the game would also seem to lend itself to a successful managerial career. He would certainly command respect from his players, while also possessing the ability to motivate his troops.
You could definitely see Ramos becoming a Mourinho-type manager in the way he would speak to the press and publicly question his rivals.
John Terry
Is John Terry still a player? The former-England captain lined out for Aston Villa last term, and recently turned down an offer to join Russian side Spartak Moscow.
It is not certain if he will continue his playing career, but he seems a prime candidate to step into management once he does hang up his boots.
Terry possesses many of the same characteristics as Ramos on the pitch, although he is much less outspoken off of it. Regardless of this, he was a real leader at Chelsea during his decade and a half in the club's first team, often acting as the right-hand man to whatever manager was at the club. Equally, he is said to have played a pivotal role in a number of bosses exiting Stamford Bridge.
New Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has offered Terry the chance to return to the club on a coaching basis, and this could be the starting point for his post-playing career. He may well be the next player from England's 'golden generation' to step into football management.
Gianluigi Buffon
Just imagine this man as a manager. One of the most charismatic players around, Buffon would certainly have no trouble commanding the respect and adoration of both his players and the fans almost immediately.
With over 20 years of experience at the very top level, he would also possess an absolute wealth of footballing knowledge. The Italian worked under some amazing coaches, something that will surely help him in his bid to become a top coach.
The fact that he would look unbelievable in a suit is just an added bonus.
Wayne Rooney
For whatever reason, Rooney does not immediately spring to mind when you think of current players who could be suited to a managerial role.
However, the striker clearly was very intelligent on the pitch and did captain both Manchester United and England for a number of years. Working under Sir Alex Ferguson for so long also certainly would not have hurt.
He has also stated his desire to become a manager. Speaking to the Daily Mail only last week, Rooney outlined his ambition.
Football is what I know. It is what I have done my whole life.
I just think it a shame when you see players who have had careers like mine. When they have been footballers from a young age, you see them finish and they just walk away from the game.
Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have moved into management. I think it is brilliant for those two. It is the right time for young English managers to step forward. I am sure in two or three years there will be clubs in the Premier League coming to try to snatch them away.
Another player from that England team to step into management? Steve McClaren's influence lives on.
Vincent Kompany
Kompany seems like a player who would step seamlessly into the role of manager.
The Belgian has been the de facto leader of the Manchester City dressing room ever since his arrival in 2008, overseeing a period in the club which has seen them go from a mid-table team to one of the premier names in European football.
While he has spent the majority of his time on the treatment table in the last few years, he seems to consistently maintain a positive outlook and encourage his teammates. The fact that the defender never seemed likely to be sold despite his multitude of injuries and loss of pace speaks volumes.
Kompany also comes across incredibly well when speaking in front of the cameras. In an age when the media can so often control the narrative around a manager, maintaining a positive relationship with those in the press can go a long way during any periods of turbulence.
