Rafa Benitez reveals the greatest player he ever managed in huge snub to Cristiano Ronaldo and other big stars

RAFA BENITEZ has revealed who the greatest player he ever managed is, choosing to snub Cristiano Ronaldo amongst others.

The experienced boss was asked the question while on punditry duty ahead of his former side Newcastle facing Manchester City.

GettyRafa Benitez revealed who the best player he ever managed is[/caption]

CorbisCristiano Ronaldo netted 25 goals in 24 games under Rafa Benitez at Real Madrid[/caption]

Benitez has managed the likes of CR7, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos at Real Madrid while also coaching Samuel Eto’o at Inter Milan and Eden Hazard at Chelsea, but another was dubbed the best.

The Spaniard did not think about his answer, immediately replying with Steven Gerrard’s name.

Benitez managed the Liverpool legend during his six-year stay at Anfield.

The club won the Champions League in 2005 and the FA Cup in 2006 while the duo were working together.

Gerrard played 292 times under Benitez, scoring 104 goals for Liverpool.

Speaking last year, Benitez again named the midfielder ahead of other stars that were his favourites.

He said: “Gerrard was the best player I ever coached.

“He was a great, great player, fantastic player and he’s a young manager now.

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“What I would say to him now is to listen and try to learn from anyone.”

Gerrard, like Benitez, is currently out of management after his sacking from Aston Villa.

Yet the ex-England star has been linked with a return, surprisingly, to Paris Saint-Germain and the Polish national team.

He was also linked with recent vacancies at Leeds and Southampton.

Meanwhile, Benitez is reportedly an option for West Ham if they sack David Moyes.

GettySteven Gerrard has been named as the best player Rafa Benitez ever managed[/caption]