We have ranked all of Rafa Benitez signings for Liverpool. From Josemi to Jovanovic he had some good ones and some not so great!
Rafa Benitez spent six years as Liverpool manager between 2004-2010. He orchestrated one of the best nights in Liverpool history.
The Champions League victory over AC Milan in Istanbul to lead Liverpool to their fifth European Cup victory is iconic. He took the Reds back to the Champions League final 2 years later, this time losing to Milan.
He also won the 2006 FA Cup final and took Liverpool within an inch of their first Premier League title in 2008/9. He is a legend at the club. Not least for his constant support and generosity to the Hillsborough families and campaign for justice.
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Yet when he left the club in the tumultuous summer of 2010 there was much criticism of the Spaniard. One of the majors gripes that people had over his managerial reign was the quality (or lack of) of some of his signings.
The Hicks and Gillett ownership wouldn’t let him sign everyone he wanted to. Most notably Daniel Alves, Sergio Aguero and David Silva were players that he fought to buy before they became huge stars.
However, many of the guys he brought in became club legends. We are ranking all of the 45 players that were signed by Benitez who made first team starts.
The list is ranked on the signing’s entire Liverpool career, not just their performances under Benitez. Therefore it includes players who he signed but played under future managers.
Here they are – All 45 of Rafa Benitez’ signing ranked: