- Rafael Benitez has enjoyed a distinguished managerial career, leading several top European clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid and Chelsea to success
- The Spanish tactician has had the privilege of coaching many exceptional footballers throughout his illustrious career, spanning over 15 years
- Among these standout talents are global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Eden Hazard, Steven Gerrard, and Frank Lampard
Spanish tactician Rafael Benitez has opened up about the best player he has ever coached in his managerial career.
The experienced gaffer has coached several top European clubs throughout his career, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.
Source: Getty Images
Managing a leading club involves working with some of the sport’s elite talents, and for the Spaniard, this included well-known figures like Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard.
Benitez names the best player he coached
In a conversation with The Overlap, Benitez said Gerrard was the one player who truly distinguished himself among all the stars he has coached.
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“He is the best player I have ever coached. In terms of a complete player, Stevie had the power, he could score goals, he was good in the air, he could use both feet and he could shoot from distance.
“He could take penalties, his deliveries from corners or free kicks [were really good]. [He could] defend, if it was necessary, as a full back in the Champions League. He had energy, trained well and was a good professional. The point with him, he was a box to box midfielder in the beginning and little by little he was understanding the game.
“He got better in terms of position on the pitch and making decisions later on, but he was great from the beginning.”
How Steven Gerrard delivered Benitez’s most famous win
While some may rate players like Ronaldo higher in terms of individual talent, it’s clear Rafa Benitez values his working relationship with Steven Gerrard above all.
Gerrard, who notched 104 goals and 72 assists under Benitez, was central to the Spaniard’s biggest managerial achievement.
The Liverpool icon starred in the unforgettable 2005 Champions League final, scoring, winning a penalty, and inspiring the Reds’ legendary comeback against AC Milan in Istanbul.
Benitez’s club honours
During his tenure at Anfield between 2004 and 2010, Benitez won the Champions League and followed it up with an FA Cup victory in 2006
He had success elsewhere, too. The Spaniard won two La Liga trophies and one UEFA Cup with Valencia between 2001 and 2004, per Goal.
He won the Europa League in 2013 with Chelsea, despite facing fierce opposition to his appointment.
Meanwhile, during his time at Napoli in 2014, Benitez secured the Italian Cup, and in 2017, he led Newcastle to the Championship title.
Ronaldo backed to make Manchester United return
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has hinted at a potential future return for Ronaldo to Old Trafford.
Saha backed Ronaldo, proposing that the Portuguese legend could one day return as a manager.
The former French international believes Ronaldo has the potential to excel in a managerial role, though he would need to adapt his attitude to succeed.
Source: YEN.com.gh
