Rafael Benitez has spent 38 years in coaching, leading some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. At Madrid, Benitez had the privilege of coaching <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/cristiano-ronaldo">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>, widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. However, the Spanish manager did not pick Ronaldo as the best player he’s worked with.



Having coached a plethora of world-class talents—such as Luka Modric, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard—Benitez made a surprising choice. Speaking on the It Was What It Was podcast, Benitez named former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard as the greatest player he’s ever coached.



“He’s the best player that I have ever coached,” Benitez said. “He was very good, especially at the beginning when we were getting to know each other.”



Benitez and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/steven-gerrard">Gerrard</a> enjoyed a fruitful partnership during their time at Liverpool, highlighted by the club’s unforgettable 2004-05 UEFA Champions League triumph. That campaign included the iconic comeback against AC Milan in the final, where Liverpool erased a 3-0 deficit to win on penalties. The duo also claimed the UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and Community Shield in the following seasons.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241124_BUS_278948_gerrard-1024x576_837cf414.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-278955" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/gerrard.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Steven Gerrard, Liverpool Captain and Rafael Benitez, Liverpool Manager, lift high the UEFA Champions League trophy as they arrive at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. (Daniel Berehulak/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Benitez explains why Gerrard outranks Cristiano Ronaldo</h2>



During the podcast, Benitez was asked why he rated Gerrard above Ronaldo, and the Spaniard elaborated. “In terms of a complete player, Stevie had the power, he could score goals, good in the air, both feet, could shoot from distance, short, taking penalties, deliveries, corners, free-kicks,” Benitez explained.


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He continued, “Defending, if it was necessary. He had energy, he trained well, and was a good professional. The point with him is he was a box-to-box midfielder from the beginning and little by little, he was understanding the game.”



<h2>The complicated relationship between Gerrard and Benitez</h2>



Despite their success together, Gerrard and Benitez reportedly had a strained relationship. The Liverpool legend worked under Benitez for six years, making 292 appearances and winning multiple trophies. However, Gerrard has admitted they were never close.



In his autobiography, Gerrard revealed that he and Benitez are no longer in contact. “I don’t think Rafa Benitez liked me as a person,” Gerrard wrote. “I’m not sure why, but that’s the feeling I got from him. I can pick up the phone and speak to all of my previous Liverpool managers. Except for Rafa.”

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Former Real Madrid HC snubs Cristiano Ronaldo when naming the best player he's ever coached - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The season is over, and teams have already started to think about the incorporations for the 2022-2023 season. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/video--argentina-and-aston-villa-netminder-emiliano-martinez-celebrates-while-colombian-goalkeeper-camilo-vargas-gives-interview-20220202-0005.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aston Villa</a> have already made three signings, and a big-name player could be on the way.
The arrival of <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/report-bayern-munich-ahead-of-two-big-teams-in-race-to-sign-liverpools-sadio-mane-20220526-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Liverpool </a>idol <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/steven-gerrard-explains-why-philippe-coutinho-is-better-at-aston-villa-than-barcelona-20220211-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steven Gerrard</a> as a first-team coach gave Aston Villa a new lease of life. The team improved its performance, and the players raised their level and which allowed the team to fight as equals against Liverpool and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/borussia-dortmund-haalands-gifts-to-his-teammates-and-support-staff-that-cost-him-500000-20220520-0026.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Manchester City</a>. The latter was recorded on the last matchday of the Premier League when the team led by Gerrard scored two goals against the Citizens (they finally lost 3-2, and Manchester City became <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/premier-league-winners-list-by-year-20220520-0001.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League champions</a>).
Aston Villa finished the season in 14th place in the league table, and Gerrard knows that for the team to qualify for international cups it needs high-quality players. That’s why the club’s officials have already signed up <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/maguire-lukaku-hazard-and-the-top-flops-that-cost-more-than-70-million-20220512-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philippe Coutinho</a>, Boubacar Kamara, and Diego Carlos. However, Gerrard has his eye on signing an old Liverpool teammate of his to add both quality and hierarchy to Villa’s attack.
<h2>Which former star teammate could Gerrard sign?</h2>
According to The Telegraph, Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa are considering signing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/what-luis-suarez-is-looking-for-in-his-next-move-ahead-of-the-2022-world-cup-20220524-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luis Suarez</a>. The English newspaper claims that the Uruguayan striker is a target of the English team. The 35-year-old did not renew his contract with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/transfer-rumors-luis-suarez-could-make-his-return-to-the-premier-league-but-he-also-has-other-suitors-20220516-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Atletico Madrid</a> and has become a free agent.
The player himself confessed to Cadena SER’s El Larguero that his wish is to continue playing in Europe as he has his mind set on the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/qatar2022/qatar-2022-all-fifa-world-cups-cristiano-ronaldo-has-participated-in-20220526-0019.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Qatar 2022 World Cup</a>. And Aston Villa would give Suarez that chance. The Uruguayan would return to a league he already knows and would be managed by his former Liverpool teammate, Gerrard.
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img alt="" data-height="335" data-size="w:1280,h:715" data-width="600" hspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220527_BUS_191713_steven_gerrard_of_liverpool_celebrates_with_luis_suarez_after_scoring.jpg_1028332792_908445ba.webp&amp;width=500&amp;height=310" title="" vspace="5"></figure><figcaption> Steven Gerrard of Liverpool celebrates with Luis Suarez after scoring / Clive Brunskill/Getty Images </figcaption></figure>
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Gerrard played for Liverpool from 1998 to 2015, making 709 appearances and scoring 185 goals. For his part, Suarez played from 2011 to 2014 for the Reds, playing 133 games and scoring 82 goals.
And all indications are that the 41-year-old coach would be delighted to manage the striker. In an interview with Gary Neville on The Overlap, the Aston Villa manager was asked about the best player he played with in his career, and, without hesitation, he said:“I would say, Suarez, simply because he had everything and I mean, how long have you got to describe him?”.

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Gerrard looking to add former teammate to Aston Villa's list of signings led by Philippe Coutinho

Gerrard looking to add former teammate to Aston Villa's list of signings led by Philippe Coutinho - Bolavip US

It looks like a fresh start was all that<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/messi-ronaldo-neymar-and-17-of-your-favorite-soccer-players-salaries-20211223-0013.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Philippe Coutinho</a> needed to get back to his best. If not, just check out his stats in his first games at Aston Villa: two goals and two assists in three <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-best-players-from-the-americas-to-play-in-the-premier-league--20211227-0017.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League</a> appearances.
The Brazilian star made a loan move to Villa Park in January after failing to turn up his game at <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-cesar-azpilicuetas-arrival-could-be-blocked-by-a-clause-in-his-chelsea-contract-20220211-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Barcelona</a>. Coutinho was given chances under <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/report-barcelona-save-2m-on-ronald-koemans-sacking-but-still-have-to-pay-him-a-lot-more-20211126-0014.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ronald Koeman</a> but he never made the best of them, and when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/barcelona-xavi-would-let-3-players-leave-after-ferran-adama-and-aubameyangs-arrivals-20220210-0018.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Xavi</a> arrived he dropped in the pecking order.
The truth, however, is that he never lived up to the expectations that were around him when Barca splashed $148.50m to sign him from Liverpool. But now that he’s back in England, Coutinho is showing his talent again and Steven Gerrard explained the reasons behind his improvement.
<h2>Aston Villa boss Gerrard explains the reasons behind Coutinho’s performances</h2>
Aston Villa not only meant a greatoption for Coutinho to revitalizecareer but also to reunite with former Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard, who is now at the helm of the Villans.
“He was desperate to come back to the Premier League and we’ve given him everything he needs to go out there and perform,” Gerrard said, as quoted by The Athletic. Besides the player’s motivation, Gerrard believes Coutinho’s physical improvement has also allowed him to make an impression.
<div style="text-align:center">
<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20220211_BUS_184318_coutinho_gerrard_aston_villa.jpg_22993414_323f4bf0.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption> Philippe Coutinho and Steven Gerrard. (Marc Atkins/Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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“The key thing was to get him up to speed from a physical point of view and we’re still working on that. He can get fitter and stronger and he will do with more training and games,” he said.
But Gerrard also says that Coutinho is happier now and that allows him to go out and deliver great performances.“Then it was about getting him enjoying his football again, being around the boys, smiling and looking forward to playing. You can see in his performance that he feels this is his stage again.”
 
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Steven Gerrard explains why Philippe Coutinho is better at Aston Villa than Barcelona

Steven Gerrard explains why Philippe Coutinho is better at Aston Villa than Barcelona - Bolavip US

<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/aston-villa-t168582" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aston Villa</a> has a new manager and it’s <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/premier-league-top-goalscorers-ever-20201101-0004.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steven Gerrard</a>, the 41-year-old, former England international has made a shock move back to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/premier-league-t45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Premier League</a>, this time in the role ofhead coach. Gerrard was coaching Rangers in Scotland and had the club top of the table and preparing for a League Cup semi-final against Hibernian.
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/argentine-prodigy-julian-alvarez-wanted-by-major-clubs-in-europe-20211028-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Aston Villa</a> sit 16th in the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/manchester-united-roy-keane-argues-with-fan-outside-of-old-trafford-after-derby-defeat-to-manchester-city-20211108-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Premier League</a> and have lost their last 5 games in a row dropping them to 7 defeats in the campaign. As a result, Dean Smith was sacked as coach as the club had position themselves with a competitive squad at the start of the season.
In an announcement Gerrard thanked Rangers for allowing him to take over Aston Villa, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club. Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart. I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”

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<h2>Steven Gerrard takes over Aston Villa</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211111_BUS_178789_steven_gerrard_is_seen_with_fashion_sakala_during_the_cinch_scottish_premiership_match_between_mothe_crop1636636905055.jpg_20222851_3f32a8a8.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=410" width="740" height="410"></figure><figcaption> Steven Gerrard is seen with Fashion Sakala during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Motherwell FC and Rangers FC (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) </figcaption></figure>
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Rangers chairman, Douglas Park, took time to thank Gerrard and stated: “He has provided us all with some unforgettable moments, not least his delivery of the Scottish Premiership title back to Ibrox last season having not lost a match in the entire league campaign. In European competition, he has restored the good name and credibility of our club on the continent and leaves us in a very healthy position on the pitch.”
In the meantime, Gerrard is ready for his new challenge of putting Aston Villa back on top of the standings, “Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new head coach. In my conversations with [the owners] Nassef [Sawiris], Wes [Edens] and the rest of the board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club, and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.”
At Rangers Gerrard achieved a 65% winning record winning 125 games in 193 attempts. During his 2 and a half years in Scotland, Rangers won 1 league title under Gerrard. At Villa Gerrard will have a talented but underachieving squad that will feature, Emiliano Martínez, Leon Bailey, Emiliano Buendía, Ashley Young, among others. Gerrard’s first game in charge is slated to be at home to Brighton on November 20th.
 
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BREAKING: Steven Gerrard announced as new Aston Villa head coach

BREAKING: Steven Gerrard announced as new Aston Villa head coach - Bolavip US

With the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/offside/newcastle-uniteds-new-owner-saudi-prince-mohammad-bin-salman-enormous-wealth-and-exotic-purchases--20211008-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">takeover of a Saudi consortium of </a><a href="https://bolavip.com/en/offside/newcastle-uniteds-new-owner-saudi-prince-mohammad-bin-salman-enormous-wealth-and-exotic-purchases--20211008-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newcastle United</a>, the once flaky <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/newcastle-t170529" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Magpies</a> now have a new lease on life in World soccer. That is if they survive this year and are not relegated by season’s end. While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/40-million-newcastle-winger-allan-saint-maximin-wanted-by-2-premier-league-teams-20210929-0010.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">rumors of all kinds </a>have swirled over who the club will buy and what the club will do, one man looks out the door already, the club’s manager.
Steve Bruce sees the writing on the wall, and history has indicated when takeovers of this kind have happened before the first out the door are the underwhelming managers these owners inherit. Bruce with very little case, has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/the-real-life-santi-munoz-looking-to-take-over-at-newcastle-united-20210903-0011.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newcastle</a> in 19th place and on the road towards relegation with rumors from AS stating he could be fired as early as next week.
<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/premier-league-t45" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Newcastle</a> will be changing a lot of things over the next few years, the first is how they invest and purchase talent as a substantial upgrade is expected, they will also try to have the right manager calling the shots once the cash starts being spent, here are the reported managers Newcastle is said to be looking at.
<h2>Steven Gerrard</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211011_BUS_177199_steven_gerrard_crop1633961981119.jpg_20222851_12c182ec.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=410" width="740" height="410"></figure><figcaption> Steven Gerrard (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Steven Gerrard is currently with Glasgow Rangers in Scotland and recently won the Scottish Premier League, with very little left to do at Rangers a move back to the bright lights of England could be in the cards for the former LA Galaxy and England midfielder. Gerrard was once rumored to be in consideration for the Newcastle job a few seasons back.
<h2>Antonio Conte</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211011_BUS_177199_antonio_conte_crop1633962114820.jpg_20222851_6c799136.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=410" width="740" height="410"></figure><figcaption> Antonio Conte (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Antonio Conte is on the shortlist of almost every team with a coaching vacancy and money. Conte would bring credibility to the Newcastle project and would be able to sway players to take a chance and call Newcastle home. If one thing these projects have proven before, despite the big money takeovers, it takes time for big names to make that leap of faith. A good manager is an important start to go A-list.
<h2>Frank Lampard</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211011_BUS_177199_frank_lampard_crop1633962208262.jpg_20222851_39bbe97c.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=410" width="740" height="410"></figure><figcaption> Frank Lampard (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Frank Lampard had a disastrous run as Chelsea manager, and Newcastle is the right job for a second chance. Lampard showed a lot of courage and had a good run at Chelsea but the weight of managing a big club with big ambitions eventually caved in on him. Will Newcastle take that gamble?
<h2>Brendan Rodgers</h2>
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<figure class="image"> <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="410" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:410" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20211011_BUS_177199_brendan_rodgers_crop1633962306856.jpg_20222851_6dda33f4.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=410" width="740" height="410"></figure><figcaption> Brendan Rodgers (Getty) </figcaption></figure>
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Brendan Rodgers is one of the most solid coaches in the UK, and if Newcastle want to tackle getting the best in the Premier League before trying to get the best in global soccer, Brendan Rodgers could be that nexus. Rodgers is a big club manager and Newcastle would provide new ground and a chance to build the squad he wants with near limitless resources.
 
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