Benitez: Cristiano Ronaldo Is Not The Best In The World

Cristiano Ronaldo was voted the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2008 after an outstanding season with Manchester United that saw him bag 42 goals in all competitions.

Although Ronaldo's form was not as impressive last year, he is still one of the favourites for individual accolades, along with Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

When asked about the Portuguese, Rafa Benitez told AS, "He is a great player, but I would not say he is the best in the world.

"Kaka is also there at the top, and Messi and Wayne Rooney and I believe we have two that can also be among the best in the world, [Steven] Gerrard and [Fernando] Torres.

"Gerrard is more dangerous playing behind Torres, who is also better with Gerrard behind him."

Regarding his Liverpool duo, Benitez considers they can form a deadly partnership, saying, "I remember the Liverpool of [John] Toshack and [Kevin] Keegan, of [Kenny] Dalglish and [Ian] Rush and the last time we won the title with [John] Barnes [Peter] Beardsley. Gerrard and Torres can be like them.

"For me, our strength will always be in the team, but it is also true that sometimes players win matches, and that great footballers can win important matches," he noted.

Although Alberto Aquilani, who was signed by Liverpool to replace Xabi Alonso, will be sidelined for a month because of an injury, Benitez thinks he has plenty of options to play in the midfield.

"We know Aquilani will need a month or so, but I think that with Javier Mascherano, Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Damien Plessis we have enough depth," Benitez said.

Luís Mira, Goal.com

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