Carra: Stevie is a Liverpool hero
Jamie Carragher has hailed Steven Gerrard as a 'Liverpool hero' ahead of his former teammate's final appearance at Anfield today.
Both players emerged from the club's Academy to play starring roles for the first team as they picked up winners' medals in the Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup, among others.
Carra believes it is the captain who young players looked up to, though, and have continued to do since he called time on his own career two seasons ago.
The former England defender says Gerrard has lived every Academy hopeful's dream during his 17 years at the club, and provided the perfect example with his approach to the game.
"He’s always been a huge example to everyone at the club, but especially young players coming through the club because he’s a local player," he told Sky Sports.
"He’s come through the ranks and done what they all want to do – be a hero for Liverpool, be the top man. That’s what every young kid in the academy wants to be. I’m sure they all want to be Steven Gerrard – that’s an example really.
"Whenever young players come through there he’s always the reference point. The young lads want to speak to him, pick his brains. He’s been a huge example and a huge help to players.
"He’s a figurehead, an example – he leads by example in his performances. Not every player can match those, but they can match his character, his spirit."
Gerrard and Carragher's finest moment together was undoubtedly the 2005 Champions League final win over AC Milan.
Both players were instrumental to the Reds' fightback from 3-0 down to clinch the trophy - but Carra insists his friend's performance was extra special.
"It was a massive moment. He was instrumental in that comeback – played three or four different positions in the game," he added.
"One of the best performances you’ll ever see in a Champions League final. He ended up virtually at right-back in extra time, and it was a real captain’s performance, as you’d expect.
"To be honest, the emotions were probably more disbelief, really, at what we’d achieved, and he was right in the middle of it."
And the retired defender reserved special praise for Gerrard's efforts against West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final.
"What he did in 2005 and 2006, they’re his defining moments for Liverpool that people will be talking about in 20, 30 years’ time," he continued.
"To do it 12 months later in another cup final – the FA Cup against West Ham – probably as a bigger influence even than Istanbul, that goal will go down as one of, if not the greatest – maybe up there with Ricky Villa’s goal [for Tottenham in the 1981 final] in terms of memories of great goals in cup finals."