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Rafa Benitez, who has coached some of the most iconic footballers in history, has revealed that Steven Gerrard is at the top of his list of the greatest players he has ever coached – ahead of even Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an appearance on the podcast The Overlap’s It Was What It Was the former Liverpool and Real Madrid coach explained his choice and praised Gerrard’s all-round excellence. “Stevie was the best player I ever coached. He was incredibly complete,” said Benitez.
Why Gerrard towers over Ronaldo
When asked why he ranked Gerrard above Ronaldo, Benitez pointed to Gerrard’s versatility. “He had power, scored goals, was great in the air, used both feet and could shoot from anywhere. He could take penalties, corners and free kicks,” explained Benitez. “Defensively he was able to step up when needed. He was a box-to-box midfielder who improved his positioning and decision-making over time.”
Benitez briefly coached Ronaldo during his time at Real Madrid, alongside legends such as Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema. But it was Gerrard – his captain during Liverpool’s unforgettable Champions League victory in 2005 – who made the deepest impression.
Gerrard’s lasting legacy
Gerrard, a Liverpool player aged nine to 35, captained the Reds for over a decade and played 114 times for England. His career highlights include the stunning comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final, two FA Cup wins and countless moments of brilliance that cemented his status as a club legend.
For Benitez, Gerrard was not just a great player but an indispensable leader: “He trained well, had energy and was a good professional. He was great from the start and he just kept getting better.”
While Ronaldo’s brilliance is undeniable, Benitez’s admiration for Gerrard highlights the unique qualities that made the Liverpool legend one of the most complete players in football.
## World Today News Interview: Rafa Benitez and the Great Steven Gerrard
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of football with two esteemed guests. Joining us are [Guest 1 Name], a renowned football analyst, and [Guest 2 Name], a former professional footballer with years of experience analyzing the game.
We’re discussing the recent comments by Rafa Benitez, who declared Steven Gerrard the greatest player he ever coached, even ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo. This statement has ignited passionate debates among fans and experts alike. Let’s explore the reasons behind Benitez’s choice and delve into the unique qualities that make Gerrard a legend.
**Part 1: Benitez’s Choice: Beyond Individual Brilliance**
**Host:** [Guest 1], Rafa Benitez has coached some of the greatest talents in football history. What do you think prompted him to elevate Steven Gerrard above even Cristiano Ronaldo?
**Guest 1:**
*(Guest 1 offers their analysis, potentially addressing Benitez’s emphasis on Gerrard’s versatility, leadership, and all-round excellence.)*
**Host:** [Guest 2], as a former professional, what’s your take on Benitez’s focus on Gerrard’s versatility? How important is that factor when comparing players of such caliber?
**Guest 2:**
*(Guest 2 provides insights from their professional experience, discussing the value of versatility and how it can impact a player’s overall contribution to a team.)*
**Host:** Benitez mentions Gerrard’s improvement over time. [Guest 1], how significant is a player’s ability to adapt and refine their game throughout their career?
**Guest 1:**
*(Guest 1 discusses the importance of player development and adaptation, potentially providing examples of players who thrived through continuous improvement.)*
**Part 2: Gerrard’s Legacy: Beyond Goals and Trophies**
**Host:** Steven Gerrard is a revered figure at Liverpool and among England fans. [Guest 2], beyond statistics and trophies, what are the intangible qualities that elevate Gerrard to legendary status?
**Guest 2:**
*(Guest 2 highlights aspects like Gerrard’s leadership, passion, grit, and his connection with the fans, emphasizing the emotional impact he had on the game.)*
**Host:** [Guest 1], Gerrard’s 2005 Champions League final performance is considered iconic. How does a single moment like that contribute to a player’s lasting legacy?
**Guest 1:**
*(Guest 1 discusses the power of iconic moments in shaping public perception, and how they can solidify a player’s place in football history.)*
**Part 3: The Great Debate: Gerrard vs. Ronaldo**
**Host:** The comparison between Gerrard and Ronaldo is bound to spark endless debate. [Guest 2], what are your thoughts on Benitez’s assertion? Can Gerrard truly be placed above one of the greatest footballers of all time?
**Guest 2:**
*(Guest 2 offers a nuanced response, potentially outlining both sides of the argument, acknowledging Ronaldo’s undeniable brilliance while highlighting Gerrard’s unique qualities.)*
**Host:** [Guest 1], do you believe Benitez’s statement diminishes Ronaldo’s achievements? Or does it simply underscore the incredible talent and impact of Steven Gerrard?
**Guest 1:**
*(Guest 1 delivers a closing thought, summing up the discussion and potentially emphasizing that both players deserve recognition for their extraordinary contributions to the sport.)*
**Host:** Thank you to both our guests for this insightful discussion. As we’ve seen, comparing football legends is complex and often subjective. Ultimately, both Steven Gerrard and Cristiano Ronaldo have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.
