How Fowler embarrassed Alonso

The columm interviewed a different first-team star for every home game, putting a series of questions to each one to discover more about their careers and lives away from the pitch.

Fittingly, it was Carragher who had the final say of 2012-13 - and, thanks to the matchday programme, we're pleased to be able to bring you what he had to say below...

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First boots

I remember having a pair of Puma lying about the house. They were called Dalglish Silver. But the first ones I remember wearing were Nikes with the big tick on the back. I got them from a shop called Barnett Shieldhouse, which used to be near Goodison Park.

First goal

It wasn't the first goal but I always remember the first one for Bootle Boys. It was the first game of the season and I was playing up-front for an older age group at Silcox playing fields in Litherland. It was outside the box.

Representing Liverpool

I first wore a Liverpool shirt when I was 12 or 13. We never put the full kit on. We played in our own shorts and socks and thrown a top to wear. It did feel a bit strange being an Evertonian at the time, though. Before that we didn't play many games. It was just training.

Room mate

Over the first few months travelling away with the first team it was Steve Harkness or Dominic Matteo. Then when I settled down, Michael Owen was the regular.

Highest high

Easy. Istanbul.

Lowest low

That's easy too. Losing the final in Athens two years later.

Vocal opponent

That has to be Craig Bellamy. He's worse than me. He's one of those players that talks to you throughout the game. He just doesn't shut up whether he's playing with or against you.

Tough opponent

He wasn't someone I played against a lot and he wasn't necessarily the best player I've played against but when I first got in the Liverpool team, [Pierluigi] Casiraghi was a tough one. It was the game where Phil Babb collided with the post. I came off after the first half thinking 'Jesus Christ.' Watching the game on TV, you mightn't have noticed it but his movement was a real eye-opener. I didn't know where he was but I was still a young kid learning myself.

Favourite football pundit

Graeme Souness. I'm looking forward to working with him on Sky next season.

Rule change

I'm all for the goal-line technology. I've been saying it for a while. It can be the difference between a team being in a cup final and getting knocked out. I remember Chesterfield scoring against Middlesbrough in 1997 and feeling for them. It will be good to test it out and see how it goes in real matches.

Most celebrated goal

Two Michael Owen goals. The first one in the FA Cup final against Arsenal in 2001 and the second in the League Cup final against United two years later. When they went in, I knew we'd won the game.

Signing that could have helped LFC

At the time, I thought we missed out on Damien Duff. Houllier should have signed him but instead he went for Diouf and Cheyrou. I think Duff would have given us the pace and width that we needed. Duff ended up going to Chelsea and for two or three seasons, was really influential there. Aside from that, Phil Thompson always talks about Cristiano Ronaldo. I'm sure he'd have done great for us.

Most admired sportsman

I like Roger Federer. We met him on a pre-season tour in Switzerland. I only usually watch Wimbledon but he always makes it looks easy; never breaks sweat. I always look at the people who have been at the top for a long time. It's okay getting there but remaining is a lot more difficult.

Best non-LFC match watched

The Barcelona-Real encounters over the last few years have been brilliant. That was the best level of football you could watch, better than any international. The two best teams, the two best players, probably the two best managers. To see the way Barca destroyed them initially and Real to come back and win the title a few years later, it was brilliant.

Playing in a different country

From a defender's point of view, it would have to be Italy. Traditionally, the best defenders have been over there and tactically, it was very sophisticated.

Key to longevity

Enthusiasm; being keen to train hard every day and wanting to start every game.

Funniest moment in training

Rafa getting hit by a stray ball was funny. There was a similar moment with Joe Corrigan where he nearly got knocked out. I remember Robbie [Fowler] doing a trick on Xabi Alonso where he flicked it over his head and scored. You should have seen Alonso's face. He was embarrassed.

Funny shout

At Arsenal once playing at full-back, I was getting abuse off the crowd. They were telling me I wasn't very good. So I just said 'If I'm not very good, what does that make [Igors] Stepanovs?' They all liked that.

Partisan atmosphere

I've always enjoyed playing in the Turkish and the Greek grounds. Galatasaray and Fenerbahce particularly. The fans are always up for it and make a lot of noise.

Exciting talent

Jordan Rossiter has trained with us a few times. I like the look of him. He's got a bit of character and steel that me and Stevie have had. He's not shy, will put himself about and clearly is a good footballer.

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