Why Carragher was and still is the most important person at Melwood

When asked who has been Liverpool’s most important player over the last decade or so, whether they be English or Scouse, many will say Steven Gerrard. And to be fair there have been stranger statements in the world (most of those being from Prince Phillip but that’s irrelevant). 154 goals as a midfielder, not to mention the assists, tackles and kicks up the backside he’s given to players not pulling their weight over the years, is the work of a legend.

However, that is not a given. Step up (if you can you old timer!) Jamie Carragher. The man who made the number 23 iconic at Anfield.

The number 2 suggestive of consistency with  Phil Neal. The number 7, signifying creativity with Kenny Dalglish. The number nine, echoing the goals of Ian Rush. Admittedly, the 23 shirt less common to what defenders normally choose, will symbolise determination, and a one club man with Jamie Carragher. And if you’re foolish enough to ask why, the truth is in the pudding.

Loyalty

There is no doubt that Gerrard has been the best when it comes to quality. But when it came to when Liverpool needed someone the most. Carragher never shied away. His honesty with the Media. The fact that he always seemed like he wanted to be there, and there was never any link to Chelsea when the going got tough. How angry he became when a Talksport presenter questioned his loyalty and labeled him a bottler.  Carragher seems like a man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Not the Everton badge as some will dispute.

                                          Take note: Don't call him a bottler, Carragher 

                                           phoning talksport a few years in anger over 

                                                              what was said about him.

                                                         

700 appearances

 Making 700 appearances for any club is a rarity these days with the lack of loyalty between players. Only second to Ian Callaghan in the record outings for the reds along with producing partnerships with the likes of Henchoz, Hyppia and more recently Agger and Skrtel should not be under rated. Anyone who plays at the heart of the defence will know how important it is to form a partnership with the other centre-back. By being able to pretty much form a partnership with anyone shoe horned at the back over the years with him, oozes quality.

Versatility

 Many give the man from Bootle a reputation of being too slow. But if they witnessed performances in the last decade where he played at right-back occasionally left back, it showed he was no slouch. He was able to compete with the finest in the Premier League. Henry, Nistelrooy etc. Whether it was as a fullback or a centre back, those sliding tackles timed to perfection could have been mistaken for a Picasso masterpiece.

Captaincy

Over the years, Carragher molded into a captain without the armband. Although Gerrard was an excellent leader, captaining the team in the central of the pitch. Carragher was right behind him, literally. When Gerrard was injured, the fans were worried about what they would miss. His creativity, work ethic, tackling and his presence in the centre of the team. The captaincy however, was never a worry. Carragher was there whenever Gerrard wasn’t to lead the team out of the tunnel.

 At a time now however where his appearances are few and far between, it could be said, he is needed more than ever. Liverpool are in transition and youngsters such as Sterling, Wisdom and Robinson will take comfort in having someone as experienced as Carragher, in and around training every day.

Carraghers role for the club has changed, but his importancy hasn’t. He is no longer that key player in that back line commanding the line and ensuring they are fittingly organised. He is now playing the role of seeing players do the job he did for years on end. If he is willing to realise that he is a bit part player and willing to take a step back whilst ensuring the transition  of the youngsters in the squad from youth to first team runs as smoothly as possible, his importance to the club will remain.

Giggs and Scholes are examples of this at United. Lampard could potentially be another, if Chelsea decides to smell the coffee and offer him another contract. These types of players become figure heads at the club. They’re ones that no matter what will bleed their football club. The term ‘legend’ is knocked round far too often in modern terms, and some that are labelled this prestigious title are not. Legends are one-man clubs. Not one season sensations.

Enjoyed this article? Follow me on Twitter @joecooper2794