Renowned football manager Rafael Benitez has identified former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as the most complete player he has ever coached. Despite managing prestigious clubs such as Valencia, Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid throughout his decorated career, Benitez maintains that the English midfielder stands above other world-class talents he has worked with, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Samuel Eto’o.
Reflecting on his time at the helm at Anfield, where he spent five seasons alongside Gerrard, Benitez highlighted their shared successes, including the memorable 2005 Champions League triumph and the 2006 FA Cup victory. During this era, Gerrard was instrumental, scoring in both finals and earning individual accolades like the PFA Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year. I think he didn’t realise at this time, [it was] late on he realised what we were looking for. These kind of things he was learning.
Writing in the newly released bookLiverpool’s Greatest: A Celebration of 100 Reds’ StarsBenitez recalled a specific conversation during his time at Real Madrid. When asked to name the best player he had ever managed, his response was immediate: Steven Gerrard. Benitez explained that while players like Ronaldo and Benzema possessed extraordinary qualities, Gerrard’s all-around game made him uniquely complete.
Benitez detailed the evolution of Gerrard’s role, noting his transition from a raw, box-to-box midfielder into a tactically disciplined leader. He praised Gerrard’s physical power, aerial ability, precision with both feet, and his capacity to control the tempo of a match. Benitez noted that once Gerrard grasped the tactical requirements of the game, his natural energy and potential made him nearly impossible for opponents to handle, particularly when linking up with strikers like Fernando Torres. Then, tactically we were trying to manage. He was good in the air, he could shoot with the right foot and the left foot, and he could pass, he could control the ball, he has the power. Because he has all the energy, all the potential, that was the only thing he was missing at the beginning. Later on, little by little, and especially when we signed [Fernando] Torres – because Stevie has a very good touch, it’s precise and with power – and with Torres running, it was very difficult for defenders to stop him. He was very good doing almost everything.
Beyond his technical skills, Benitez highlighted Gerrard’s professional conduct and leadership qualities, noting that the captain’s commitment to the team and his high standards both on and off the pitch were pivotal for Liverpool’s success. He credited Gerrard’s unique blend of stamina, precision, and character as the reason he considers him the ultimate player under his stewardship. I think he was great in terms of a key player for Liverpool and the way he was conducting himself on the pitch and outside the pitch.
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