As Rafael Benitez prepares to take the big job at Real Madrid, here’s a look at his best-ever XI from a career with the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Inter Milan…
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GK: Petr Cech
A modern goalkeeping great, Chelsea legend Petr Cech was a top performer for Benitez during his brief time in charge at Chelsea, arguably eclipsing former Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina.
DR: Javier Zanetti
One of the best right-backs of all time, Javier Zanetti was a major player for Inter Milan for many years, including during Benitez’s brief reign at the San Siro.
DL: Ashley Cole
A Chelsea legend and one of the best full-backs of the modern era, Ashley Cole helped Benitez to a Europa League win in his brief stint at Stamford Bridge.
DC: John Terry
Although John Terry fell out of favour with Benitez during his time in charge of Chelsea, the former England captain remains one of the best defenders the Spaniard has worked with.
DC: Jamie Carragher
Another former England man, Jamie Carragher was a loyal and trustworthy servant for Liverpool, improving hugely under the management of Benitez.
DM: Xabi Alonso
Brought to England by Benitez in 2004, Xabi Alonso proved a big hit at Liverpool and the club have arguably still not managed to replace him.
MC: Steven Gerrard
Benitez’s Champions League-winning captain for Liverpool, Steven Gerrard is undoubtedly one of the finest players he’s ever worked with.
MC: Frank Lampard
Another England midfield great, Frank Lampard was another key performer for Chelsea under Benitez, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer during the Spaniard’s reign.
AMC: Wesley Sneijder
Despite only working together briefly at Inter Milan, Wesley Sneijder is another top midfield player of his generation to have played under Benitez.
FC: Fernando Torres
Far better for Benitez at Liverpool than at Chelsea, Fernando Torres did still help deliver the Europa League for the Spaniard with the Blues, finding some of his best form at Stamford Bridge under his old Reds boss.
FC: Samuel Eto’o
One of the finest strikers of his generation, Samuel Eto’o reached some top form for Inter Milan when Benitez took over, having previously been used in a more defensive role by Jose Mourinho.
