Not Ronaldo. Rafa Benítez named the best player he has worked with

Rafael Benítez has worked with many top clubs and players throughout his career. He won the UEFA Champions League in 2005, when his Liverpool team achieved the famous "Miracle of Istanbul."

In the podcast The Overlap, the Spanish specialist revealed who he considers the best player he has ever worked with. While many expected him to name Cristiano Ronaldo, whom he managed at Real Madrid during the 2015/16 season, Benítez chose Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard.

"This is not a question of trust. It's not about trust. Stevie is the best player I have ever managed. Because when I was in Madrid, I couldn't say it! But now I can. It's very clear. He had everything," Benítez stated.

As a reminder, Benítez is the most successful manager in Valencia's history, having led the club to two La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup in his three seasons at the helm.

He is one of only three managers (alongside Bob Paisley and José Mourinho) to have won the UEFA Cup and then the following season secured the Champions League. Benítez also became the second (after Joe Fagan) Liverpool manager to win the Champions League in his first season in charge.

It’s worth noting that Ronaldo and Georgina have reached a divorce settlement that could be costly for Cristiano.