Rafael Benitez calls Marek Hamsik tactically more intelligent than Steven Gerrard

Marik Hamsik – Brightest star in Napoli’s sky

Napoli manager Rafael Benitez had complimented the club captain Marek Hamsik by saying thathe is more tactically intelligent than Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard.

Hamsik was critical in Napoli’s 4-2 away win against Chievo on Saturday scoring the first and third goals from his attacking midfield position behind striker Gonzalo Higuain, who scored once.

As reported by Sportal, Benitez was asked about comparing Hamsik with Steven Gerrard, to which Benitez said, “Hamsik is very important because he slots in at the right time, but Gonzalo Higuain also does well to create space for him.

“Is Hamsik like Gerrard? They are different players.

“Hamsik doesn’t have Gerrard’s strength but he does have more tactical intelligence.”

After Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi left Napoli for Paris Saint-Germain in the past two years, Hamsik’s importance to the Neapolitans had become more pronounced.

The 26-year-old Slovakian had scored a brace in each of his side’s two Serie A matches this season.

Rafael Benitez managed Liverpool from 2004-2010 with Steven Gerrard as his captain.