Bar the Champions League win, The FA Cup win and a very good contract, what was his greatest moment?
His overall record in Europe was fanstastic, especially in comparison with the domestic league.
He also brought or made three world class players there in his time in Reina, Mascherano and Torres. Torres wasn't exactly unknown, but he wasn't really proven in a big team either and his goal scoring record, in a mediocre team it has to be noted wasn't great. Mascherano wasn't an unknown entity either, having played in an Argentina team which I thought was going to win the World Cup 2006 during it. But his spell at West Ham was a disaster and Benitez took a bit of a gamble in signing him as it looked like things weren't working out for him in English football.
For me though, underlying all his achievements was how he transformed Carragher and Gerrard. Carragher, up until Benitez had came along was more of a utility player. Benitez partnered him in central defence with Hyppia in the 04/05 season and he went on to have the best season of his career, resulting in a trrophy at the end of it. He also carried this form through for another couple of seasons.
Gerrard, who was already a good player seen his game develop. Benitez, whilst playing him in a few different positions seemed to get the best out of him by playing him behind Torres (He was also quite good on the right IIRC).
His overall record in Europe was fanstastic, especially in comparison with the domestic league.
He also brought or made three world class players there in his time in Reina, Mascherano and Torres. Torres wasn't exactly unknown, but he wasn't really proven in a big team either and his goal scoring record, in a mediocre team it has to be noted wasn't great. Mascherano wasn't an unknown entity either, having played in an Argentina team which I thought was going to win the World Cup 2006 during it. But his spell at West Ham was a disaster and Benitez took a bit of a gamble in signing him as it looked like things weren't working out for him in English football.
For me though, underlying all his achievements was how he transformed Carragher and Gerrard. Carragher, up until Benitez had came along was more of a utility player. Benitez partnered him in central defence with Hyppia in the 04/05 season and he went on to have the best season of his career, resulting in a trrophy at the end of it. He also carried this form through for another couple of seasons.
Gerrard, who was already a good player seen his game develop. Benitez, whilst playing him in a few different positions seemed to get the best out of him by playing him behind Torres (He was also quite good on the right IIRC).