Column: Following the Carra blueprint

It is difficult to know where to start with Jamie Carragher. In Liverpool's illustrious history there have probably been more talented players; but few that have shown such grit, resolve and determination to reach the pinnacle of the game.

Jamie Carragher is a testament to what hard work can achieve. He never stopped learning as a professional footballer. If you look at some of the Liverpool academy graduates that haven't quite made the grade in the past it is a lesson how hard it is to become a regular at Liverpool.

It isn't easy for academy graduates to make the grade. For every Steven Gerrard there is a Stephen Wright. When Jamie Carragher broke into the first team in 1997 he didn't possess the stand out talent of a Gerrard or Owen. Although he scored on his league debut against Villa, his lack of a specialist position at that stage was a hindrance to him.

It wasn't until Gerard Houllier arrived that Carragher started to develop into an international footballer. Houllier used Carragher for most of his tenure as a full-back; unusually perhaps utilising him as a left-back despite being right footed. But as Carragher has done throughout his career he took on the challenge with a determination that he would succeed in that role.

In the treble season of 2001 Carragher was an instrumental part of that success. Unlike Gerrard who was standing out in his natural position, Carragher was learning his trade. Under Houllier, I always rated the job Carragher did at full-back. The back four of Babbel, Henchoz, Hyypia and Carragher is as good as anything the club has had in the past 20 years.

Whilst Carragher would probably point to Houllier as being the biggest influence on his career, many observers would probably lean towards Benitez. When the Spaniard took over in 2004 his decision to move Carragher into central defence was a masterstroke.

Whilst Carragher has never been blessed with lightning pace he has an exceptional footballing brain. He is able to see situations unfold and that allows him to take up the right positions. His experience playing at full-back will have helped him develop as a centre-back.

As a centre-back Carragher finally started to mould himself into a top-class player. At his peak Carragher was up there with the likes of Terry and Ferdinand as one of the best defenders in the country. His desire to win and sheer refusal to give up in the face of adversity are qualities that you do not coach.

The run to Istanbul

For all of the genius of Benitez and Gerrard in the run to Istanbul there is no question that we would not have had that magical night without Jamie Carragher. I can't remember ever seeing a player so willing to sacrifice himself in the pursuit of glory for his team.

When Eidur Gudjohnsen was about to pull the trigger at Anfield in the semi-final against Chelsea there was one man between him and the goal. We all know what happened next; but you just know that had that shot been on target, Carragher would have found a way to stop it. That is the kind of player he was. The look on his face after it had gone wide is probably my favourite ever Carragher moment.

In the final against Milan I think Carragher's performance in the second half and extra-time is up there with any defensive display ever in a Champions League final. He wasn't only throwing himself in front of anything that came near our goal; he was inspiring those around him.

Carragher's 'advice' to Dudek before the penalty shoot-out was typical of the man. His desire to win and not accept defeat was infectious. If there is one thing that defined Carragher the player it was his desire to win.

Carragher and Gerrard

Jamie Carragher and Stevie Gerrard are the two icons of modern-day Liverpool. They have both been major factors in the success the club has had over the past 15 years. Carragher perhaps more than Gerrard is a natural born leader; but Gerrard's ability has always inspired those around him.

Both Carragher and Gerrard have helped hook a new generation of Liverpool fans. Without the two of them the club could have drifted into mediocrity following multiple periods of transition. They have both been fundamental to keeping the club competing against a backdrop of turbulence in the past 15 years.

Whilst it is Gerrard that rightly receives the plaudits for his dynamic contribution, it is Carragher that has often been at the sharp end, laying his body on the line. If there was a record for last-ditch tackles in the Premier League era, then it would surely be Carragher's.

The mutual respect between the two was evident. They grew up through the Liverpool ranks and were brothers-in-arms. It is fitting that two lads from Bootle and Huyton have contributed so much to the Liverpool cause at a point in time when the club needed it the most.

The legacy of the two of them will forever be etched into Liverpool history. They have grown up as heroes of a generation of fans, and have taken that responsibility on and acted as role models and ambassadors for the city of Liverpool and the Football Club.

Carra's legacy

The word legend is often over used in football today. Over the years Liverpool Football Club has been lucky enough to mould a few legends. Liddell, Keegan, Dalglish, Rush, Barnes, Gerrard and more. The biggest compliment you can pay Jamie Carragher is that his name is in amongst that list.

What is unique about Carragher is that he took his career by the scruff of the neck and made it to the very pinnacle of the game. Whilst he doesn't have a league title, he has a Champions League winner's medal. There are few players that can say that.

I think Carragher's legacy is a vital one. As well as being fundamental to keeping the club competing year on year throughout his career, his journey through the game sends out a message to the young lads coming through the academy. It sends out the message that with hard work, commitment, and a desire to learn and be better every day you can make it to the top of the game.

That is what Jamie Carragher was all about. He never shirked his responsibility or fell into the pitfalls of a footballer's lifestyle. He committed his life to the game and to the club; and has reaped the rewards of turning himself into a top-class footballer.

Jamie Carragher's career and story should be a blueprint for any young player coming into the game.

Liverpool FC is not the same without Jamie Carragher. But whilst the curtain has come down on a glorious playing career, you feel that there are still more chapters left in his love affair with the club. He has all of the attributes to become a world-class manager one day in the future. That said, he has taken to his new media role with the same professionalism and enthusiasm he demonstrated as a footballer.

Whatever the future holds, Jamie Carragher was an incredible servant to the club. Despite growing up a Blue, he bleeds Red and will forever be a part of Liverpool's illustrious history.

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