ontd_football | Carra's Liverpool Dream Team

SINCE breaking into Liverpool’s first team 13 years ago, Jamie Carragher has played alongside all those who have established themselves as modern Anfield greats.

From Steve McManaman through to Fernando Torres, Carragher has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the men who will be revered forever more and seen at first hand what separates the great from the good.

There have been a number of fine teams in that period, but deciding on a definitive XI is easier said than done. Who, for example, leads the line? What formation would get the best out of them? Which men should pull the strings in the engine room?

Typically, though, Carragher – whose testimonial against Everton takes place at Anfield this afternoon – is up for the challenge of picking an all-star line up.

But there is one important rule: he can’t pick himself.

So, with that in mind, here he reveals the identity of a team he thinks would conquer all before them and score plenty of goals on the way. Some choices are predictable, others less so . . .

GOALKEEPER: Pepe Reina

HE is definitely in the top two or three keepers in the world but, in my opinion, I think he’s the best.

His record here is better than Ray Clemence, which says something when you think of the honours he won in his Liverpool career.

Pepe hasn’t got to that stage yet but there’s plenty of time for that.

He’s a great character around the place and one of the leaders of the team.

He’s just the full package.

RIGHT BACK: Steve Finnan

IT was a tough choice between ‘Fin’ and Markus Babbel.

Markus only played 12 months and they were great, as we won the treble.

But Fin had a few extra years, did well in the Champions League and was always a seven out of 10 performer every game.

He’s the type of player every team needs.

CENTRE BACK: Stephane Henchoz

Henchoz was my type of defender.

He was a player who would throw himself into tackles no matter what.

He and Sami were a great partnership the year we won the treble.

He defends the way I like people to defend and he and Sami were a formidable barrier during the time they spent together in the Liverpool team.

CENTRE BACK: Sami Hyypia

Sami is simply one of Liverpool’s greats.

He is the best central defensive partner I have ever played alongside and he is one of the greatest signings the club has ever made.

When you think of the performances he produced so consistently and the longevity of his career, for that price tag, it was phenomenal business.

LEFT BACK: John Arne Riise

HE made a great impact on the club when he first arrived, notably for the quality of his attacking displays and the ferocity of his shooting.

But it’s often overlooked that in 2005 and 2006, we broke a lot of defensive records, too, and he was the left-back in that side.

Having said that, you always remember the goals ‘Ginge’ scored, like the thunderbolt against Manchester United in his first season.

RIGHT MIDFIELD: Steve McManaman

HE was the best player when I got into the team and a great role model to look up to.

He played a slightly different position when he was at his best but, for this team, I’d put him on the flank and let him cause havoc with those mazy, penetrating runs.

He won two cup finals for Liverpool almost on his own and then achieved great things with Real Madrid.

He was an inspiration.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Steven Gerrard

THIS choice speaks for itself.

He is the best player I’ve played with, and is certainly on a par with Kenny Dalglish in the club’s history.

There’s not much you can say about him that hasn’t already been said.

When he is at the top of his game, he is unstoppable and a man for the big occasion.

CENTRE MIDFIELD: Xabi Alonso

HE just edges out Didi Hamann for the central midfield role alongside Stevie.

Already in his career he has won the World Cup and the European Championships; he also played a big part in the Champions League final and is top drawer.

This was probably the most difficult choice of all but I just think with the way Xabi can use the ball, you could never leave him out of the equation.

LEFT MIDFIELD: John Barnes

I didn’t play with John when he was a left-winger, but I did have 45 minutes alongside him in the centre of midfield.

As a kid growing up, I’ll never forget John Barnes.

He is probably in the top three or four players to have played for Liverpool and when he was at his best, he was up there with anyone in the world.

He could win a game on his own and had the lot.

STRIKER: Michael Owen

HE’S a good mate of mine but that doesn’t mean it makes him a certainty for selection.

You’ve got to remember what he did during the treble season.

He won the FA Cup final against Arsenal on his own and ended up being named European Footballer of the Year in 2001.

His impact in those first four or five years after he emerged and broke into the first team was nothing short of astonishing.

STRIKER: Robbie Fowler

People will look at this and say ‘why no Fernando? But this isn’t a case of me just picking my mates. Fernando has been amazing for us and what he has achieved with Spain in the last couple of years has been fantastic. But he has still to win a trophy here.

Fernando, ironically, has probably got a better goals record than Michael and Robbie but both of them are remembered for certain cup finals.

Remember what Robbie did against Birmingham and Alaves in 2001? I also went for him because he was someone I looked up to. I just couldn’t leave him out for that reason. He was a poacher supreme.

ON THE BENCH:

Again, whittling numbers down isn’t easy. It was hard picking that starting line-up but it’s just as difficult trying to select a bench when you think of all the players who have made massive contributions down the years for us.

In the end, I’ve gone for JERZY DUDEK as the goalkeeper. Then we could have FERNANDO TORRES to come on give us a potent weapon; DIDI HAMANN, DANNY MURPHY and GARY McALLISTER would provide some different midfield options, while you couldn’t do better than having MARKUS BABBEL to turn to for defensive cover.

Whoops, almost forgot the sauce

(btw, i'm quite looking forward to this testimonial.....I wonder how much Owen will get the shit booed outta him :/)

Current Mood: nervous
Current Music: radiohead - black star