Benitez names his biggest Liverpool challenge that Klopp is yet to face

Topics: English Premier League, Liverpool, Newcastle, Jurgen Klopp, Rafa Benitez

The Spanish boss has highlighted the biggest test he was confronted with during his stint with the Reds.

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has labeled Jurgen Klopp as 'fortunate' after comparing the Reds' current team with the squad he had during his tenure at the club. The 58-year-old manager will lead Newcastle United to a crunch Premier League encounter on Boxing Day at Anfield.

Benitez was in charge of Liverpool between 2004 and 2010 and is most remembered for winning the UEFA Champions League in his first season at the Merseyside club. Among his achievements includes an FA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup wins although the Spaniard failed to add the Premier League title.

Under Jurgen Klopp this season, Liverpool look like real contenders to clinch the league title as the club is yet to lose a game in 18 matches. Making reference to his time at the club, Rafa Benitez iterated that the German manager is only fortunate to have the financial backing of the club steering him to success. In 2018 alone, the club splashed hefty sums in the recruitment of the likes of Alison Becker, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Virgil Van Dijk.

"When I was there we had to sell to buy," he said told a media conference ahead of his return to Anfield.

"Now, I think is they have a better squad because when you spend money you bring in better players. So when they sign Fabinho and Naby Keita, yet they keep Jordan Henderson and Gini Wijnaldum, the squad is better and that means competition and you always have a strong team on the pitch.

"Salah is showing everyone he is among the best (in the world)," Rafa continued.

"He has the pace, the vision, the ability, he is clinical in front of goal.

"But (this year) it is not just him, they have a very good team and a very good squad, you can change players and still have a very good 11. The team is helping Salah to perform every week.

"Football is about consistency and quality and, at the moment, he has everything."