Carragher Reveals His Emotional All-Time Liverpool XI with Current Stars

Updated on: October 12, 2024 11:41 pm GMT

In a spirited discussion on the Stick to Football podcast, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher unveiled his all-time Liverpool XI, a lineup that sparked debate among fans and pundits alike. While Carragher chose to honour only two of his former teammates, his selections reflect the rich history and legacy of one of England’s most successful clubs, Liverpool FC.

Carragher’s Unique Selection Criteria

Carragher rose through the ranks of Liverpool’s youth academy before debuting for the first team in 1997. Over the span of 16 years, he became a one-club man, winning numerous trophies, including:

• Three League Cups
• Two FA Cups
• One UEFA Cup
• One Champions League

Despite this impressive career and the many legendary players he played alongside, Carragher’s all-time XI is notably filled with only two of his former teammates and two current squad members from the team managed by Arne Slot.

Goalkeeper and Defense Choices

Carragher began with his choice of goalkeeper, opting for Ray Clemence over the modern star Alisson Becker. “I would go with Ray Clemence just over Alisson, just for the fact he won so many trophies,” Carragher explained.

In defense, Carragher selected:

• Right Back: Phil Neal, whom he praised for winning four European Cups—”it’s unbelievable.”
• Centre Backs: Virgil van Dijk and Alan Hansen, forming what Carragher described as a “great partnership.”
• Left Back: Steve Nicol, a player Carragher believes is underrated in Liverpool’s history.

Reflecting on his picks, Carragher mentioned, “Andy Robertson may come into the equation, but Liverpool hasn’t had a history of unbelievable left-backs.

The Midfield Dream Team

Moving to midfield, Carragher chose:

• Right Midfield: Mo Salah, illustrating the current star’s significance.
• Central Midfielders: Steven Gerrard and Graeme Souness. Carragher highlighted Souness’s contributions during Liverpool’s golden era in the 1970s and 80s.

He reminisced, “Graeme Souness has to be in central midfield alongside Steven Gerrard.” His respect for these players is palpable, as each has demonstrated immense leadership and skill on the pitch.

Striking Power

The attack was rounded out by legendary forward pairs. Carragher selected:

• Striker: Kenny Dalglish—a name synonymous with Liverpool’s history.
• Striker: Ian Rush. Carragher described how the Welshman made him “cry on the way home” after an FA Cup final, showcasing the emotional impact Rush had on him as a young supporter of Everton.

“I would have put Luis Suárez in if he had a league title and a European Cup to his name,” Carragher noted, reflecting on other notable forwards who missed the cut, such as Fernando Torres and Michael Owen.

The Final Line-Up

Here is Carragher’s all-time Liverpool XI:

Reflections on Missing Legends

Carragher’s picks, while undoubtedly strong, highlight the depth of talent in Liverpool’s history. Major names such as Ian Callaghan, Ian St John, and Robbie Fowler didn’t make the final cut, underscoring the challenge of narrowing down a club’s rich legacy to just eleven players.

Reflecting on his choices, Carragher remarked, “When you think of the roll call of players who didn’t make the cut, it goes to show just how formidable an XI I’ve picked.”

Your Thoughts?

As is common in football discussions, fans have a variety of opinions on Carragher’s selections. His choices may lead to varied discussions and debates among Liverpool supporters who may argue for different players based on personal experiences or preferences.

Regardless of individual opinions, Carragher’s all-time XI serves as a testament to Liverpool’s storied history and the legends who helped shape it.

Carragher’s choices show not just his own career but also how Liverpool has changed and grown over the years. When fans think about these picks, they remember the amazing players who have played at Anfield and how they have helped make Liverpool FC what it is today.