Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez believes Steven Gerrard has taken a lot of his qualities on board.

Gerrard is now Liverpool U18 coach.

And Benitez believes the former Reds captain has taken on board the same philosophies which have served the Newcastle manager so well throughout his celebrated coaching career.

“You're trying for perfection," Benitez told The Times during a wide-ranging interview in Spain.

“You know it's impossible, but you try. The other day, Stevie G [Steven Gerrard] was on TV talking about a game: 'Ah, Rafa always said that little details can make a massive difference.'

“So he heard. Maybe he didn't realise when he was playing, but now he's a commentator. And it's true."