Welcome back to Last Word On Football’s look at some of Liverpool’s most iconic figures. From players to managers, we look at who has an impact during their time at the club that no Liverpool fan will ever forget. Next up is one of Liverpool’s own; Jamie Carragher.
Carragher spent 17 years at his boyhood club, making over 700 appearances and collecting 11 pieces of silverware. The defender’s passion and desire to succeed endeared him to the fans from the start.
His versatility and no-nonsense approach to defending made him a hit with every manager he served under.
Jamie Carragher: An Icon of Liverpool
Debut Season
Carragher made his Liverpool debut in January 1997 during a crucial League Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough. Then-manager Roy Evans had plenty of faith in the 17-year-old and his faith was repaid. Carragher would soon get a taste of Premier League football, making his debut in that same month in a goalless draw with West Ham United.
His versatility soon became apparent to Evans, who threw him into central midfield in a win against Aston Villa. Carragher excelled alongside Jamie Redknapp and notched his first senior goal in that win.
The 1997/98 was his breakthrough campaign, with Evans choosing to utilise Carragher in the side. He played across various positions in the team including centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield. While he was being used mainly as a substitute, Carragher’s performances were impressive.
Transition Under Gerard Houiller
When Roy Evans resigned in November 1998, Gerard Houiller took sole control of the Liverpool team. He liked Carragher and quickly utilised him in his new-look side. Houiller got focus and drive out of Carragher, with the defender regularly slotting into the full-back roles.
His relationship with Houiller blossomed and during the 1998/99 campaign as he made 44 appearances and collected Liverpool’s Player of the Year award.
An Unconventional Treble
The 2000/01 campaign was certainly one of Carragher’s best as a footballer. Once again, he was a mainstay in the side but Houiller changed his position to left-back. It worked a treat as Carragher excelled to help Liverpool secure three trophies.
The first was the 2001 League Cup, which Liverpool won on penalties against second-tier side Birmingham City. The UEFA Cup soon followed as Liverpool played out a thrilling contest with Spanish side Alaves. The Reds would go on to win 5-4 in extra time. Liverpool’s success was crowned with the UEFA Super Cup.
A Trying Time With Injuries
While 2001 was a year of joy for Carragher, two years of struggle would follow. He sustained two serious injuries meaning the defender missed much of 2002 and 2003. A knee injury saw him miss out on the 2002 World Cup and soon a broken leg followed in 2003. A
However, his determination to return stronger allowed him to help Liverpool secure the 2003 League Cup. Following that triumph, Carragher was named Liverpool’s vice-captain.
A Career-Defining Season
The 2004/05 season was a season to remember for all Liverpool fans and players. Rafa Benitez arrived as Liverpool’s new manager and he immediately pushed Carragher into central defence.
His tactics worked a treat with Carragher excelling at centre half and forming a strong partnership with Sami Hyypia. Benitez completely trusted Carragher and he excelled with the belief, making 56 appearances across the whole season.
That season, Liverpool would collect the Champions League title after a sensational comeback against AC Milan. Carragher went on to earn his second Player of the Year award and earn a nomination for the Ballon D’or award.
Carragher would later captain Liverpool to victory in the Super Cup as the Reds edged a tight affair against CSKA Moscow.
Continued Consistency and Success
Carragher was continuing to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders. He collected a second FA Cup in 2006 after Liverpool defeated West Ham.
Carragher continued to be a regular across all competitions and became Liverpool’s all-time record appearance maker in European competition. He surpassed Ian Callaghan in May 2007 making a 90th appearance for the Reds.
The 2007/08 season saw Carragher reach ten years at the club. He also made his 500th appearance for the Reds.
Carragher’s Later Liverpool Years
Trophies and success would dwindle as years passed by. Carragher continued to play regularly but his performances and character were being questioned. Despite his critics, his loyal service was rewarded with a testimonial in 2010.
That year would also see Carragher reach 450 Premier League appearances and score a seventh own goal, the second-highest own goal tally at that time. Carragher would soon make his 137th appearance in European competition which would be a British record.
Carragher’s final trophy as a player came in 2012 as he collected his third league cup. The Reds edged out Championship side Cardiff City on penalties. Carragher lifted the trophy in front of a sold-out Wembley stadium
A Fond Farewell
The 2012/13 season would prove to be Carragher’s final as a player. His appearances were sparse under new manager Brendan Rodgers, but he soon proved his worth.
The defender announced his retirement in February 2013 but would see out the season in the hope of helping Liverpool to some success. Carragher would reach 500 Premier League games in a win against Tottenham Hotspur.
After 737 appearances and 17 years with Liverpool, Carragher said a fond farewell in front of a packed out Anfield. He was presented with a special trophy by fellow teammate Steven Gerrard and Liverpool icon Ian Callaghan. Carragher’s final game proved emotional as Liverpool secured a narrow win against Queen’s Park Rangers.
One of Liverpool’s Own
Carragher is and always will be a true Liverpool icon. He made 737 appearances full of passion and desire which Liverpool fans loved. Despite the constant jokes about his Everton connections, he will always be a Red and certainly as one of Liverpool’s greatest defenders.
