Rafael Benitez considers Steven Gerrard to be the finest player he has ever coached.
The experienced football manager has led several European powerhouses throughout his career, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Chelsea.
Benitez and Gerrard achieved two trophies togetherCredit: Getty
Leading a top club involves managing elite talent, and for the Spaniard, this meant working with iconic figures such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Frank Lampard, and Gerrard.
During an appearance on ex-Manchester United defender Gary Neville’s The Overlap, Benitez reflected on his managerial career and acknowledged that it was the former Liverpool captain who truly distinguished himself among all the stars.
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When Neville inquired if he did not have confidence in Gerrard to play in a two-man midfield for his Liverpool teams, Benitez replied: “It’s not a matter of trust,” as he reflected on his squad that included Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres.
“Stevie is the finest player I have ever coached.”
Seemingly alluding to Ronaldo, Benitez chuckled: “Because when I was in Madrid, I couldn’t have said that!”
“But now I can state it. It’s quite evident. He had everything.”
He further asserted that if Gerrard and Jamie Carragher were playing now, interested clubs would need to spend £200m for the duo, humorously asserting that Gerrard’s price would be £180m.
Even though he positioned Gerrard on the right rather than in his traditional midfield role, Benitez had immense admiration for the Liverpool icon, who captained the 2005 Champions League-winning team.
“What was lacking was the tactical awareness that a foreign player possesses due to playing in this position,” Benitez continued.
“He was exceptional, with so much energy that he could drive into the box, operate as a full-back, or do whatever he needed to do. However, he needed to grasp the responsibilities of the position.”
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Benitez was so impressed by Gerrard during his time as Liverpool managerCredit: YouTube
