Who is the best player in Benitez s heart? Not Ronaldo, but Liverpool legend Gerrard

Rafa Benitez, a tactical master who has won the Champions League and La Liga, has worked with countless superstars in his coaching career - Ronaldo, Modric, Benzema... However, when asked who is the best player he has coached, his answer is not these Real Madrid legends.

In his heart, this position will always belong to Steven Gerald.

Comprehensive Player

In an interview in 2024, Benitez rated Gerald as the best. The reason he gave was his comprehensive ability.

"He is the best player I have ever coached," Benitez explained. "As a comprehensive player, Steve has great strength, can score goals, have obvious air superiority, can use both left and right feet flexibly, and can shoot from a long time. He can take penalty kicks, and pass corners and free kicks very well."

"If necessary, he can even play right back to defend in the Champions League. He is energetic, well-trained, and very professional."

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On that famous night of Miracle in Istanbul, it was Captain Gerald who sounded the horn of the counterattack. He used a stunning performance of one goal and a penalty to lead Liverpool to complete a shocking reversal against AC Milan in a desperate situation of falling behind 0-3, winning Benitez the greatest trophy in his coaching career.

Perhaps, Ronaldo is better in pure talent. But in Benitez's heart, Steven Gerrard is the perfect player who is the most comprehensive, trustworthy, and brings him the highest honor of his coaching career.

This trust and appreciation, born on Miracle Night in Istanbul, surpasses all other legends.

source:bóng đá 7m cn