Benarbia is the best player I've ever worked with

Kevin Keegan

Benarbia was Man of the Match in the title-clincher

But the City boss said he believes Benarbia is worth the accolade.

"People have told me all about Kinkladze but he's a different player. Kinkladze is a very good individual but Ali B is a team player.

"He's never had real pace but he's got a brain and he'll have the same brain when he's 34 or 35. He's 33 now and has a year left on his contract.

Benarbia says Keegan likes to win with "magic"

"More than any other player - along with Eyal (Berkovic) when he's been fit - he's been responsible for us being where we are and for playing the football we have."

Brought in on a free in September 2001, Benarbia was an instant hit at City - he took the man of the match award in his first game for the club, a 3-0 victory over Birmingham City.

"I don't know what happened at Sunderland, where he had a trial. But he came back here and we signed him."