Rafael Benitez makes admission about Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard which he could never say at Real Madrid

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Steven Gerrard and Rafael Benitez have both gone down in Liverpool folklore for their efforts at Anfield.

Lucas Leiva said Gerrard was his best Liverpool teammate, with the duo having spent several years together in midfield.

The former Liverpool captain guided the Reds to many honours, including the 2005 Champions League final.

Gerrard has looked back on the 2005 Champions League win, having played a key role in the victory over AC Milan.

The midfielder was crucial to the stunning comeback against the Italian giants in Istanbul, with Benitez orchestrating things from the dugout.

Rafa Benitez makes Steven Gerrard admission at Liverpool

The manager and the player helped create many fantastic memories for the Anfield faithful, with Benitez now looking back on just what Gerrard brought to his side.

“Stevie is the best player who I have ever coached,” Benitez said on the Stick to Football podcast. “Of course, when I was in Madrid I couldn’t say that but now I can!

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“It’s very clear. He had everything. What he was missing was the tactical knowledge that a foreign player has because they play in his position.

“He was so good, he had so much energy that he could get into the box, cover full-back, do whatever he wanted to do, but he needed to understand the position.”

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard follows Rafa Benitez into management

Gerrard enjoyed a stunning career at Liverpool, playing over 500 matches as he won the Champions League, UEFA Cup and FA Cup among other major trophies.

His displays in midfield will never be forgotten by Reds fans, with Benitez having helped develop the player’s fantastic career.

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Gerrard has since moved onto management, with the former England international currently in charge of Al-Ettifaq.

His coaching career has already taken him to Rangers and Aston Villa, while Benitez was most recently in the Celta Vigo dugout.

The Spaniard went on to manage the likes of Real Madrid, Napoli and Newcastle United following his time at Anfield, and even had an infamous spell across Stanley Park at Everton.