In the illustrious world of football management, few figures command as much respect and intrigue as Rafa Benitez. Known for his tactical prowess and a career spanning some of Europe’s most elite clubs, Benitez has coached a galaxy of stars. Yet, a recent revelation from the Spanish tactician has sent ripples through the football community, as he named an unexpected figure as the greatest player he ever coached, surprisingly overlooking global icon Cristiano Ronaldo.
Benitez’s coaching journey has seen him grace the dugouts of powerhouses like Liverpool, Chelsea, Napoli, and Real Madrid. His tenure at Real Madrid, though brief, provided him with the opportunity to work with some of the modern game’s most revered talents, including the prolific Cristiano Ronaldo, the midfield maestro Luka Modric, and the clinical striker Karim Benzema. These names alone represent a pinnacle of footballing excellence.
Despite this star-studded roster, Benitez, in a candid interview on The Overlap’s It Was What It Was podcast in 2024, asserted that his ultimate choice was not from his time at the Bernabeu. He unequivocally declared Steven Gerrard, the legendary Liverpool captain, as the finest player he had the privilege to coach. This statement immediately sparked debate among football analysts and fans alike, given the immense talent Benitez has guided.
Explaining his reasoning, Benitez highlighted Gerrard’s unparalleled completeness as a player. He lauded the former England international’s power, goal-scoring ability, aerial prowess, ambidextrous skill, and long-range shooting. For Benitez, Gerrard embodied the quintessential midfielder, capable of influencing every facet of the game, a trait that evidently resonated deeply with the Spanish coach during their extensive time together at Liverpool FC.
The distinction in Benitez’s perspective likely stems from the vastly different working relationships he shared with both players. While Cristiano Ronaldo delivered an impressive 25 goals and eight assists in just 24 appearances under Benitez at Real Madrid, their collaboration was relatively fleeting. In stark contrast, Steven Gerrard played an astounding 292 games for Benitez at Liverpool, accumulating 104 goals and 72 assists, cementing a profound professional bond and understanding.
Moreover, Gerrard’s instrumental role in perhaps Benitez’s most significant managerial triumph undeniably swayed his opinion. The unforgettable 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul saw Liverpool stage a miraculous comeback from three goals down against AC Milan. Steven Gerrard was the undeniable catalyst, scoring a crucial header and winning the penalty that led to Liverpool’s equalizer, ultimately securing a historic victory for the Reds.
This iconic performance in Istanbul remains the crowning achievement of Benitez’s coaching career, a moment where Gerrard’s leadership and sheer will to win shone brightest. It is this deep, shared history of overcoming adversity and achieving the unimaginable that elevates Gerrard in Benitez’s estimation, even when compared to the undeniable genius of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ultimately, Benitez’s choice underscores a philosophy that extends beyond mere statistics or individual brilliance. It speaks to the profound impact a player can have within a specific system and the unique bond forged between a manager and a player over an extended period. The discussion around Benitez, Steven Gerrard, and Cristiano Ronaldo serves as a compelling case study in football management and player evaluation.
