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Steven Gerrard admits he owes a debt to Liverpool veteran Jamie Carragher
Reds skipper would not have shone without Carra's help...
3 Sep 2010 10:20:00
By Zack Wilson
Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard has acknowledged that without Jamie Carragher his time at Anfield would not have been as successful as it has.
Carragher celebrates his long career with the Reds with a testimonial this weekend with a Liverpool XI, featuring the likes of Michael Owen and Emile Heskey as well as new signing Paul Konchesky taking on an Everton XI.
Gerrard feels that Carragher's abilities as a top class defender have helped him considerably and he owes the former England international a huge debt.
"Without going over the top, I certainly wouldn't have the medal collection I've got without the part Jamie's played," Gerrard told the Reds' official website.
"The first trophies we won together was the treble in 2001. He played a massive part in that because that team was based on a solid defence under Gerard Houllier.
"Obviously he then played a massive part in the Champions League final and we certainly wouldn't have won that trophy without him. Together we have helped each other an awful lot and played a big part in the trophies we've both collected.
"Everyone knows he's a big lover of football and he knows an awful lot about the game. So, to have someone older than me and with more experience than me to bounce ideas off, it's basically like having two captains.
"Me and Jamie always bounce ideas off each other and we're really close off the pitch as well. He's been a fantastic help throughout my career, not just as captain."
Asked what he felt Carragher's main qualities as a player are, Gerrard was unequivocal in his assessment.
"Leadership, character, bravery, he's a winner. He's someone who before every game, when you look around the dressing room, you know going into battle that Jamie's on side and you know what you're going to get from him. He's someone you want on your team in difficult circumstances," he insisted.
"We wouldn't have as many trophies and I don't think the club would have achieved what it has. The place would also have been a lot quieter because he's not just a fantastic player on the pitch, he's also a character off it. He contributes a lot to the team spirit and the atmosphere around this club.
"I know he's getting on a bit now and the grey hair is kicking in, but I hope to see Jamie here for many, many more years whether that be as a manager or coach or whatever aspect. I think he deserves to be at this club for a long time."
Gerrard also remains convinced that Carragher, 32, can continue for a good while longer at the top level.
"If people think he's only got a year or two left then they could be proved wrong," he said.
"The Jamie Carragher I know looks after himself so well off the pitch that I can see him being involved in the first team for at least another two or three years at the top level.
"After that it depends on what Jamie wants. There's a time when every player has to take a backseat for someone else coming through.
"I know that's going to happen to me but I hope he stays on at the club in some capacity because his knowledge of the game and his love for the game means he's got an awful lot to give back."
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Carragher celebrates his long career with the Reds with a testimonial this weekend with a Liverpool XI, featuring the likes of Michael Owen and Emile Heskey as well as new signing Paul Konchesky taking on an Everton XI.
Gerrard feels that Carragher's abilities as a top class defender have helped him considerably and he owes the former England international a huge debt.
"Without going over the top, I certainly wouldn't have the medal collection I've got without the part Jamie's played," Gerrard told the Reds' official website.
"The first trophies we won together was the treble in 2001. He played a massive part in that because that team was based on a solid defence under Gerard Houllier.
"Obviously he then played a massive part in the Champions League final and we certainly wouldn't have won that trophy without him. Together we have helped each other an awful lot and played a big part in the trophies we've both collected.
"Everyone knows he's a big lover of football and he knows an awful lot about the game. So, to have someone older than me and with more experience than me to bounce ideas off, it's basically like having two captains.
"Me and Jamie always bounce ideas off each other and we're really close off the pitch as well. He's been a fantastic help throughout my career, not just as captain."
Asked what he felt Carragher's main qualities as a player are, Gerrard was unequivocal in his assessment.
"Leadership, character, bravery, he's a winner. He's someone who before every game, when you look around the dressing room, you know going into battle that Jamie's on side and you know what you're going to get from him. He's someone you want on your team in difficult circumstances," he insisted.
"We wouldn't have as many trophies and I don't think the club would have achieved what it has. The place would also have been a lot quieter because he's not just a fantastic player on the pitch, he's also a character off it. He contributes a lot to the team spirit and the atmosphere around this club.
"I know he's getting on a bit now and the grey hair is kicking in, but I hope to see Jamie here for many, many more years whether that be as a manager or coach or whatever aspect. I think he deserves to be at this club for a long time."
Gerrard also remains convinced that Carragher, 32, can continue for a good while longer at the top level.
"If people think he's only got a year or two left then they could be proved wrong," he said.
"The Jamie Carragher I know looks after himself so well off the pitch that I can see him being involved in the first team for at least another two or three years at the top level.
"After that it depends on what Jamie wants. There's a time when every player has to take a backseat for someone else coming through.
"I know that's going to happen to me but I hope he stays on at the club in some capacity because his knowledge of the game and his love for the game means he's got an awful lot to give back."
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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