A Dog That Is Better Than Carragher At Football?

Shocker, absolute shocker.

Who dares highlight the flaws of our great Scouse legend who gave his heart and soul for the club? Well, it's none other than Fernando Torres, who rated a canine 'better at dribbling than Carragher'.

LFC’s world-famous number nine shirt met Hank the German Shepherd - also a top performer in his field - at the West Lancs Canine Centre.

And after an intense one-on-one session on the pitch he proclaimed Hank was better at dribbling than his teammate Jamie Carragher.

Is he sowing seeds of discord within Liverpool like how Agent Gallas of Chelsea is screwing Arsenal big time? Of course not.

A footballing dog from Ainsdale has become an internet hit after footage of him tackling Liverpool star player Fernando Torres appeared on Youtube.

Should be ashamed. Alright, kidding of course!

The Liverpool Impersonator!

Guys, this is a must watch! Look how well he impersonate Rafa, Gerrard, Owen and even... Carragher! You thought it's impossible eh! Just have a look...



I thought the Gerrard one was pretty much spot on. Heh!

Perhaps Quitters Are Winners

Bellamy & Cisse Unloaded

The striker musical chair game going on at Liverpool is still up and running with both Djibril Cisse and Craig Bellamy set to leave for Olympique Marseille and West Ham respectively.

The news of the impending departure of the duo was confirmed yesterday by Liverpool manager, Rafa Benitez, after the game which saw his side winning their first friendly game at Wrexham.

Being asked about the deals, Rafa said "The deals for Bellamy and Cisse are completed."

While he also added that he likes Yossi Benayoun and the Israeli playmaker is kept under close watch by the Spanish boss and his trustworthy scouts. It fueled speculation after Benitez mentioned that his next target will be a winger.

The description that is to be given to the two players could well be 'flops' but it's a gross overstatement of what they did for the club. It's unfair to hurl abuse at them now for what I call, under-achieving and not unleashing their fullest of potential.

Djibril Cisse came in as a record signing by Gerard Houllier but the Frenchman was promptly sacked before they even had a chance to work together.

Apparently, Rafa thought Cisse is unteachable and that his attitude stinks at times. Even the injuries he suffered in his short span of career at Anfield didn't gain him much sympathy.

Meanwhile, Bellamy is brought in to replace Cisse only last summer. Both players are probably in the same mould, with tenacity and pace to burn. But their finishing can be a suspect at times while Bellamy's misdemeanors are one too many for Benitez to take.

The golf club incident pre-Barcelona could've been the last straw and that he wasn't able to sustain his form for an extended period of times probably means the gamble that Benitez took last summer didn't pay off. Or maybe not in full divident.

Yet the two players have left good memories for the fans to reminisce and we'll still remember the good times. I'll like to thank Cisse for his goal at Cardiff, the FA Cup would've been out of reach if he didn't score that one just before half time. His heroics in the UEFA Super Cup should not be discounted as well. You could even say he scored in the Champions League final from the penalty spot back in 2005.

Bellamy, a true 'ah-beng' he is, has given us some laughs for his uncountable amount of offsides and whining at the referee. He must be a true irritant to the referees but when it comes down to the real job, he just didn't make the grade. But thanks for that goal in Nou Camp and the various others.

Speaking without malice and bitterness, I would like to say thank you to the two, who have served the club well in some ways for the past seasons. Let's hope you leave with good peace and in good terms with the club and don't hurt us too much when we meet again.


Carragher Turns His Back On England?

Well done, about time Carra. About time to turn your back on a team that doesn't appreciate any bit of your presence and under perform all the time.

About time to leave the bunch of prima donnas on their own and focus your career for Liverpool.

About time to tell everyone that you're one of the best central defenders in the world, not a stop gap right back or replacement anchorman in midfield.

Even when Terry and Ferdinand ain't available, there isn't a spot for him and that the right back spot, which he previously replace Gary Neville on a couple of occasions, was taken away from him by Wes Brown in the match against Estonia.

It was a bitter blow for the Liverpool vice captain, who clearly isn't favoured by Steve McClaren, whom he only made 5 appearances under his 'fine' management.

It isn't a selfish act from his part and totally understandable, that he himself feels that he's very much dispensable and he doesn't need a reason to be in a part of a team which sees him as a stop gap and replacement only when someone goes missing.

It's time to give it up like Scholes and watch how his career at ManYoo blossom after his 'retirement'. Concentrate at Liverpool and give up on them who doesn't give a sh*t about who you are.

Just quit!

Source: The Daily Mail (Or Diana Watch.....)

TRC's Liverpool Player Of The Year Award

3 weeks ago, I ended the seasonal team review with players from each position reviewed. Rounding it off, I put up a poll for you, my beloved fans, to vote for who you think deserves the player of the year/season award and I just want to say a big thank you to whoever that has participated. Multiple votes or not I couldn't care less but thanks for your support through it all!


Anyway here's the result and unsurprisingly, club captain, Steven Gerrard is the most popular vote on here and although the margin between him and second placed, Pepe Reina, isn't that big, it's essential to see that the efforts and hard work put in my the skipper didn't go unnoticed.

To me, he didn't play as well as he did in the 2005/06 season in which he scored 23 goals in a season, albeit most of them again some bit part teams like TNS or Kaunas. This term, he continues to be pushed to the right flank by Rafa and didn't seem to impose as much authority as he should.

But a born and bred scouser, he has already found a place in each and every Liverpool fan's heart with his all-action style and 'grabbing by the scruff of the neck' game changing powers. Despite nearly moving to recent rivals, Chelsea, he just signed a new 5 year contract along with the likes of Jamie Carragher and Xabi Alonso.

But to my surprise, Pepe Reina is the second most voted player in the player of the year vote as he holds 53 votes, compared to Gerrard's 57. Only a meagre 4 votes separates the two.

In third place, the uncompromising Jamie Carragher with 49 votes and then another surprise package, Daniel Agger, with 15% of the votes. The ever 'away-from-the-limelight' Steve Finnan is 5th while both Crouch and Kuyt covers the two bottom spot respectively.

From the votes, we could see the trend that Liverpool does have a pretty impressive backline with most of the defenders having a decent season but we need to score the goals and attackers need to be more consistent and deliver the goods.

A total of 252 votes are taken into account.

Post Season Team Review: Part One

Well then, the curtains are drawn for the 2006/07 season of the English Premiership and there will be absolutely nothing on the sports channel (bar the FA Cup, Champions League and La Liga) till the end of July.

Like students in a class, there'll always be an assessment for them at the end of the school term and this is the perfect opportunity for us to look back and grade the players for their performance and contributions for the past season.

There will be harsh criticisms but there'll also be heartening encouragement for the men in red. With the Champions League final still beckoning, it might be a little too early but let's just narrow it down to just the league and domestic cup performances and leave the rest to later date as we have the entire summer to talk about it. I'll rather talk about this than speculate as to who will be coming into the team next season and the name of Jose Mourinho's dog!

So for part one, we'll start off from the back, which is the defensive unit of Liverpool. From goalkeeper to fullbacks, not one will slip off from this assessment!


GOALKEEPERS:

1. Jerzy Dudek

Out of contract this summer, the penalty hero of Istanbul has found himself seated on the bench more often after the signing of Pepe Reina. He has been under the Spaniard's shadow and fizzled out.

Despite appearing on only a couple of occasions, the Pole didn't do much to convince Rafa Benitez and the fans that he deserves only a place on the bench as an emergency backup. He was poor on the few matches he appeared including the 3-1 lost to Arsenal followed by a 6-3 mauling by the same team. You don't have to be incredibly clever to work out how bad it was.

With his contract decidedly not renewed, he'll leave the club on a pretty sour note. But I guess nothing compares to the heroics in the Ataturk stadium. He'll still be remembered as a bit part goalkeeper who's not that good but made hero in the most unlikely circumstance. Well in.

Grade: C-


25. Pepe Reina

Despite a nervy and shaky start to the season when he conceded a freak goal to Bobby Zamora at Anfield followed by a freak show at Goodison where he completely made a fool of himself, he has showed much character since and bounced back pretty well.

Perhaps only famous for his penalty saving instincts, the Spanish goalkeeper proved this season, that he is more that just that.

Let's not get into the Champions League penalty saving heroics but his form in the league is quite magnificent since then. Breaking the record of the most number of clean sheets in a hundred games for Liverpool is a fair achievement for a 23 year old goalkeeper, who is still a freshie for that position. Maybe the brick wall in front of him protected him well but do not doubt his importance to the team's defence. Just look at those games where we played Dudek and Padelli.

He is a good communicator and is one of the examples of modern day goalkeeper where standing on the line isn't the best idea. He is quick, he is fast and decisive. Might have an odd fumble here and a mistake there but with more experience, he'll certainly be the number one for years to come.

Grade: A- (Nominee for TRC's Liverpool Player of the Year)


DEFENDERS:

2. Alvaro Arbeloa

Despite being a new signing, Arbeloa has turned up to be a dependable backup and a decent ball playing defender.

A slump in his form towards the end of the season makes his season ends in a sour note but he had a pretty solid start to his Liverpool career thus far.

His cameo appearances in the Champions League where he kept Messi in his pocket the whole game is an example of what he is capable of. As a fullback, he is good on the ball and has even scored his first goal for the club at the JJB this season. His little one-two with Pennant in the build up to Crouch's first goal against Arsenal is unforgettable and showed that he has more to offer than just defending.

Might not dethrone Finnan at right back but we're sure we have a capable and versatile defender in the squad.

Grade: B-


3. Steve Finnan

We've been banging on about how under-rated he is but truly, a real worker for the team doesn't really need all the limelight.

Since his move from Fulham years ago, he has gone from strength to strength. Perhaps more experienced now since he is officially in the 30s, he is dependable at the back, reliable and focussed. He has made the right back slot his and fended off challenges from Josemi and Kromkamp. Both promptly moved out after failing to displace the Irish.

Defending is also not his only strong point. Time and time again, we saw how he moved intelligently down the right, overlapping and putting in fantastic crosses. His crosses has been very impressive at times and done his part to assist the team in scoring goals.

His form is also tied to the ups and downs of the team. Woeful at the start of the season coincided with Liverpool's poor form, his gradual regain to form also meant Liverpool finally warming the engine.

Grade: A (Nominee for TRC's Liverpool Player Of The Year)


4. Sami Hyypia

The big centre half from Finland have been Liverpool's bargain buy for the last decade when millions of dollars are splashed on the likes of Diouf and Diao.

The uncompromising defender has been the pillar of Liverpool's defence since early 2000 and has honed formidable partnership with the likes of Henchoz, Biscan (HAHAHA JUST KIDDING!) and most recently, Carragher.

But age has caught up with the big man and with the arrival of Dan Agger from Bronby, he has gradually moved out of the squad and became a backup. His experience is still vital and his presence could still be felt but the sad fact of life is his time is almost up. Till when will he still be keeping his jersey is unknown but I still think he has a role at the club.

Appeared only for a handful of times, he was there when called upon and never complained about not being in the first team. A good leader on and off the field and a fantastic servant.

Grade: B


5. Daniel Agger

The very replacement for the man above (Hyypia I mean) is this man hailing from the Scandinavians. Maybe they make good defenders but this one is special.

He costed Liverpool 5.8 million GBP and is peanuts in modern day context but is actually the most expensive defender bought by Liverpool. Compared to the likes of Ferdinand and Ferreira, he is certainly a value for money buy and his rise to fame is a heartening one.

Never an easy task to fill in the boots of Hyypia but he was shoe-horned into the Liverpool defence seamlessly. Forming a new partnership with Carragher at the beginning of the season, it was tough for a 22 year old but he does it like an experienced pro.

Rafa once mentioned about players not listening to him while some act as if they listen but it was 'one ear in, one ear out'. When he speaks of Agger, he said this guy actually listens and does what he is supposed to do. Speaks a lot about the desire and hunger for glory and being a teachable player is the best one could hope for.

Despite having disciplinary problems back in Denmark, he was never in much trouble in England. Known for his tattoos and aggressiveness, he was calm and focussed on his task. The English game is never an easy thing to pick up when strikers like Drogba and Viduka constantly gives you sticks, this man grew in stature and is will be part of the future of Liverpool.

Grade: A- (Nominee for TRC's Liverpool Player Of The Year)


6. John Arne Riise

Never really a capable defender and not so sure whether to place him in the defence or midfield slot. But since he appeared more in defence than midfield, I'll put him in here.

The Thor hammer from Norway with a thunderous left foot, he has been at the club for 6 long years, unknowingly. A great servant and passionate player of the club, he hasn't been at his best this term, by his own standards.

At times, he is defensively culpable and some said he's too slow and sluggish to be a full back, which is true to an extent. Due to his built, he is never going to be a speedy gonzalez but his strength is well, his body strength and his stamina.

His form has never really pick up from the alpha to the omega of the season but done just enough. Still, not good enough and might even be flogged this summer but we all know what he's capable of and let's hope he continue to improve.

Grade: C+


12. Fabio Aurelio

Should be awarded the most unlucky Liverpool player this term. Injuries once again plague his career and made him settle down at England even tougher.

Known to have a wonderful left foot but in a different manner, he was brought into give the team a bit of style, substance and class. But many felt he is too lightweight for the English game and it is clear that he struggled with the rest of the team at the start.

Then again after he recovered from his injury, he showed some glimpse of what he is capable of and in the game against Arsenal, where he put up his best performance in the red jersey, he set up 2 of the 4 goals.

His set piece mastery is a formidable arsenal for Liverpool but sadly, he was injured again and out for the rest of the season. Just didn't do enough to earn the plaudits in his first season here but here's hoping he'll be fit, healthy and improve next season.

Grade: C+


23. Jamie Carragher

We don't talk about Liverpool without talking about Carragher, do we? He's the pillar of strength for the Reds and has been ever present, as usual.

Like Steve Finnan to his right, they're the two lynchpins of the defence and their experience at the top level is one reason why the Liverpool defence has been so stingy for the past 2-3 seasons.

Never known for his scoring prowess, he managed to put one past Fulham back in December for his first ever league goal since 1999. Yea, laugh on!

But his uncompromising and no-nonsense style of defence epitomises Carragher and those are the words closely associated with the centre back. When in doubt, just hoof it and anywhere would do!

But the vice captain, like the rest of the squad, suffered a slump in form earlier this season and the game at Goodison Park was perhaps one of his worst ever performance I've seen in years. He was nervous and even I was surprised when he failed to clear the ball and only to give possession back to the Blueshites.

But he bounced back like he always do and currently holds the most number of European appearances at the club after surpassing the great Ian Callaghan.

Grade: A (Nominee for TRC's Liverpool Player Of The Year)


29. Gabriel Paletta

Perhaps a raw and unrefined version of Carragher, he has been pretty disappointing this season but he will escape the harsh treatment from me because this is his first season and he IS only 20.

The Argentinian arrives to just be an apprentice and a backup to the trio of Carragher, Agger and Hyypia. Maybe too much expectations heaped on the lean shoulders of him, he was harshly criticised and maybe, to a certain extend, they are right.

At the moment, he is just not good enough to take over from Carragher, YET.

We are sure of this because of the performance in the League Cup and FA Cup exits while the last few league appearances for the club in those games where nothing much matters, he dallied on the ball far too often and doesn't look very comfortable.

But he still has time on his side and with good teachers and coaches, I hope he'll turn out good and really go on to be the next Roberto Ayala.

Grade: C-

Alright, that's the end of part one and if you haven't work out, I'll be holding a poll on the club's best player this term shortly after I conclude on this series. Comments are welcomed and grades are there to be challenged.

The New Born 'Savior'

ENGLAND footballer Jamie Carragher sent two carjackers packing when he dashed to the aid of a terrified woman driver.

The thugs fled when the burly Liverpool defender raced from his home after hearing the 59-year-old teacher's screams.

Her cries woke Jamie, 29, at 6.30am near parkland where she had been walking her dog in Blundellsands, Merseyside.

And, with wife Nicola and two children asleep, he jumped out of bed.

When they saw him the two robbers fled in a stolen car.

A friend said: "He found the woman in a terrible state. He calmed her down until the police arrived."

The victim was blocked by a Vauxhall Corsa when she returned to her Renault Clio.

One man tried to grab her keys as the other threatened her and dragged her from her car.

The day 'God' left, the new savior has risen! Hail Carragher!

How Well Are They Paid?

Have you ever wondered how much is Harry Kewell's pay? Thinking about the incentives that the players and manager receive? Well, I saw this 'exclusive' report about Liverpool's pay structure and it doesn't surprise me one bit actually. It just seemed like there is a need to 'save' some resources and use it in a better way...

Here are some facts:


HARRY KEWELL (Left, in case you forgot how he looks like)

BASIC SALARY
Contrary to popular rumour, the injury prone Aussie does not get £80,000 a week - he has to make do with £40,000 for the duration of his five-year deal.

BONUSES
Kewell has shunned the performance-related bonuses (just as well, probably) but he is the only player at Liverpool to have an image-rights clause. Also has a deal that will give him a slice of any transfer fee over £6million.

ADDED PERKS
Liverpool pick up the tab for six business class flights back to Australia.


RAFA BENITEZ

BASIC SALARY
A whopping £3.5million for the six years of his contract, which expires in June, 2010. That's a total pay packet of £21million.

BONUSES
Where do you start? A cool million if he wins the Champions League and £300,000 if he keeps Liverpool in third place in the Premiership. Various incentives in the other competitions.

ADDED PERKS
Again - where do you start? Mobile phone, business class flights to Spain, company car ... and English lessons for himself and the family.


STEVEN GERRARD

BASIC SALARY
A nice, round £100,000 a week until June 2009.

BONUSES
none

ADDED PERKS
none


JOHN ARNE RIISE

BASIC SALARY
Only £25,000 a week

Travel back to Norway on Economic class flights.


ROBBIE FOWLER

APPEARANCE FEE
£10,000 per appearance


CRAIG BELLAMY

BASIC SALARY
£2 million per annum
*Contract improvement upon qualification for Champions League


JAMIE CARRAGHER

Will receive 10% of the transfer fee IF Liverpool ever sell him


TEAM

Champions League winners: £100,000 a man

Premiership winners: £25,000 a man

FA Cup winners: £15,000 a man

Carling Cup winners: £12,500 a man

UEFA Cup winners: £15,000 a man


That's about it. Make your own decision on whether they're overpaid or underpaid....Oh hang on, how can they be underpaid?!

Lookalikes In Defence

Just covered some lookalikes in the previous post and it seemed to spark off some interest. Looking at the defenders.....

Jamie Carragher & John Bishop (Comedian)



Sami Hyypia & Ryan Stiles (Who's Line Is It, Anyway?)



John Arne Riise & Shrek....Wayne Rooney:


Steve Finnan & Matt Damon:



Well?

Carra The Way To Go

They say behind every successful man, there's a supportive woman. Bring this analogy into football and you'll get 'behind every successful teams, there is a player who worked so hard for the team but never gets the credit.'

The name Jamie Carragher is seldom found on newspapers for an obvious reason that he's never controversial and doesn't enjoy being in the limelight. But to me, that's a quality that many of the football players in this age doesn't have.

But his name is always on the lips of Liverpool fans. The song, 'We dream of a team of Carragher' speaks a lot about the adoration of the Liverpool fans of this one club man. Here is a story of a player that went from a mediocre utility player to a world class centre back through hard work and determination.

We often say he's priceless not because nobody wants him but more to the fact that no matter how much money they throw at Liverpool for him, they know it'll end up a vain attempt.

A no-nonsense defender who puts his every single ounce of energy into matches week in week out, who can doubt the commitment of this Liverpudlian, who grew up supporting a club that's on the wrong side of Liverpool. If there is a player that will give his life to the club, it will no doubt be this man.

Reminisce of his performance against AC Milan in the '05 Champions League are still fresh on some people's mind. It might be the other players who got the Reds back into the game but the way Carragher defended Dudek's goal despite the cramps and ailment getting on him, he continued to toil on and became the ultimate unsung hero.

With John Terry looking mysteriously injury-prone in recent times, is it time for Jamie Carragher to step up and given the chance to shine for England just like he did for Liverpool. Like they say through difficult times, hero will rise, I believe it is time the England management team take a serious look on Carragher and give him the chance to be the man to replace Terry in the centre back role.

The Israel trip will call on England to put up a brave act and it will no doubt be a test of character for the Three Lions as their European qualifications hung in the balance. This is where I think Carragher will slot into the England squad perfectly and as a stalwart of the back line, the players will draw inspiration from Carragher, who is never afraid to get stuck in.

He doesn't oozes the class of Beckenbauer of even Rio Ferdinand. Neither does he have the pace of Alessandro Nesta. But when tough times is ahead, this is the type of player everyone will want in their team.

Often overlooked as nothing more than a utility player, he's been called up to the England squad time and again to be played out of position or even to say, treated unfairly. He's a cover for all the 3 positions across the back while also played as the holding midfielder in Sven's reign.

His treatment on the day England got knocked out of the World Cup by Portugal was particularly infuriating for many as he was substituted on just to take penalties. Incidentally, he scored but was asked to be retaken. His misery was compounded when Quim saved it.

I think it's about time they show respect to the man that gave his all even though he's often jeopardised. Even when he's overlooked, he never once complained like many footballers would and this is why I say that England has the asset that they never knew.

Time to show him the respect.


Just for laugh:

We dream of a team of Carragher. But matches will most likely end up 0-0.

Liverpool's FWAGS

Ah, wait. Not FAGS! It's FWAGS. Since England have their WAGS (Wives and Girlfriends), as resourceful as I always am, I went round doing research on players and their families. Family, wives and girlfriends that is. Got quite a few although some players are really out of the limelight and pretty much impossible to find anything about them.

Here they are!

Starting from the back to front!

Manager Rafa's wife, Montse and one of their daughter

Goalkeeper Pepe Reina and his newly-wed, Yolanda:

Riise and his little daughter

Michael Owen, Jamie Carragher, Didi Hamann and their spouses

Jamie Carragher and his son...JAMES!

Daniel Agger and his girlfriend, name unknown




Luis Garcia's wife, Raquel





Raquel again, with Alonso's girlfriend on the right?




Skipper Stevie G's wife, Alex Curran



Lily-Ella and Lexie




Xabi Alonso with his girlfriend, name unknown!






Xabi and his brother, Mikel from Real Sociedad




Cisse and his wife




Fowler and his little girl

Well, if you have more or want to add something then do keep in touch with me.

Carra's Christmas Awards 2006

Player of the Year?


There are obviously a few candidates. Stevie got Player of the Year last season for what he did in the Cup final. Momo Sissoko (left) was also outstanding in that Cup final but people forget that because of Stevie getting the two goals. I think it's a tie between them two but I'd probably give it to Momo because Stevie's got enough awards anyway.


Young Player of the Year?

Daniel Agger would come into that category or even Momo, but I'd probably say Daniel because he's come in very strong this season and done very well.

Most Improved Player?

I don't know. Whoever I give it to I don't think they'd really like it to be honest! Probably Crouchy, not that he was that bad at the start but he went a long time without scoring and now his record this year has been brilliant. The goals to games ratio has been as good as anyone's - there's been a massive improvement.

Unsung Hero?

It used to be me that, didn't it? It would probably be Finn. I think I gave it to Finn last year as well. He plays pretty much the same every week and doesn't get much applause. He's just happy to be in the team, doing his job, and he's been consistent again.

Honorary Scouser Award?

This is the first one of these, isn't it? It would have been Didi if he was still here but obviously he's gone. We'll give it to Pepe. He speaks very good English and tries to throw a few scouse words in every now and then to me and Stevie. He's a bubbly character so I'll give it to Pepe.

Have you been teaching him?

Yes, but only swear words!

Goal of the Year?

Probably Stevie's second one in the Cup final. Agger's against West Ham at home was an unbelievable one as well but I think I'll go for Stevie's because it was the Cup final and we were desperate to get that goal. It's probably one of the best goals in a Cup final of all time so it's a great one to win the prize.

What about Crouch against Galataseray?

Yes, I forgot about Crouchie! I'll have to put Crouch up there and give him a mention but I just think Stevie's is the winner because there were only about 40 seconds left of the game and to have a strike from 30, 40 yards out, I'll have to give it to Stevie.

Hardest Liverpool player?

In a fight or tackle? There's not many tacklers in the team really, probably only me and Stevie. In a fight? I think I gave it to Pepe last year but I'm going to give it to Momo, he takes some stopping. He's not too bad at the moment with the shoulder injury, I'd probably take him at the moment.

Player who's most desperate for their own song?

Finn. It used to be me for a while, they only started giving me one a few years ago.

Is there anyone in the dressing room who moans because they don't have one?

No, nobody really moans but I think Finn deserves one. As I said, though, he's not that kind of player, he just gets on with it. He's not that eye catching, he just does a good solid job every week. I think the crowd should sort something out for Finn but maybe it's difficult with the name and hard to make it rhyme with things.

Best trainer?

Stevie and Alonso have got the best quality in training, they're good trainers. Hardest worker is probably me because I'm not that good! There's a lot of good trainers really. Didi was the worst but he's gone now so it's quite good. Robbie can be bad some days but he's a great finisher so if he's having a bad session he can just pop a few goals in the back of the net to get him out of trouble.

Funniest player in the squad?

I'd probably say Robbie. He likes a laugh and a joke, it's great to have him back to create a bit of banter in the dressing room. He's always on the internet looking for funny stuff to stick on the walls, like look-alikes. The reserves have got their pictures on the internet saying what they like and their hobbies, stuff like that. They were probably trying to get girls or something. Anyway, he stuck them up. That was funny.

Funniest moment of the year?

The other day Pepe kicked a ball and it hit the manager on the back of the head and he went to the floor, so that was quite funny. That was off the field, on the field it's always funny beating Everton isn't it? Obviously they beat us this year which was a big disappointment but we can win the return. Beating them at Anfield with 10 men was quite funny.

Nicest member of the squad?

There's a lot of nice lads really. Jack Hobbs, I know he's only one of the reserves but he's the nicest in the world. Probably too nice. Bolo's a nice fella, he speaks to everyone really and he speaks a few languages so he mixes well with the different nationalities. He's good to have around.

Who is the ideal room mate?

Someone who'd run round after you I think, a young lad! No, we try to mix it around a lot so that we have different roommates and get to know each other better. At the moment I'm with Stevie and I can't ask him to do much because he's the captain so he's not the best!

Who would be a nightmare roommate?

It was Josemi before he went, he just didn't sleep. He'd be up all night watching videos or on his computer. A nightmare would probably be someone who's into their music, I'm not a big music fan.

Who would you want on your pub quiz team?

Me.

Who wouldn't you want on your pub quiz team?

Who's thick? [Laughs] I think Pennant's quite thick!

Who's the biggest moaner on the team?

Me. On the pitch I just get wound up if things aren't going the way I want them to or people aren't doing the things I want them to do. I wish we had a few more moaners actually. Bellamy's a bit of a moaner, he's the worst in training.

What does he say?

He just complains about anyone who doesn't put the ball on a sixpence for him really! But I like that in a player, he's a winner and he wants to do well.

Worst hair cut?

It used to be Harry Kewell, I think that could count because he had that at the end of last season. At the moment…Riise just dyed his hair blonde from ginger. Who've I missed? Gonzalez has got a bad one, coming up to a point or something along those lines. Alonso when he lets his grow long looks pretty bad.

Last year you had Crouch down as the worst dancer. Have you changed your mind?

The worst or the best?

You had Pongolle as your best

Oh yes, I remember him dancing at the Christmas party. Crouchie's upped the ante from last year though. No I'll stick with Crouch. He's probably the best and worst to be honest. He's got some great moves and he's got the robot and stuff now as well so that's put him up there as one of the worst again.

When did he first do that?

He did it at Beckham's party before the World Cup. I think he did it to the cameras on the dancefloor, messing around because the party was getting filmed. I remember he was worried 'cos it was getting shown on TV a few days later and of course once it was captured it just took off. It was hilarious.

Best dresser?

Well you always think yourself or you wouldn't buy those clothes but Stevie's always quite smart. No, there's not many. Me and Stevie have probably got similar tastes I'd say.

Worst dresser?

Cisse (left) popped in the other day, what he had on was unbelievable. He had moon boots on. Bellamy's got some dodgy gear like leather coats, that's pretty poor.

Vainest player?

Oh, there's a few of them. Crouchie lately, he's been putting a bit of gel on his hair. Stevie as well, he probably thinks nobody's noticed but he's been messing with his hair. He's got a bit of a quiff now, he has to put gel on or mousse or whatever it is. Obviously the foreign lads all love themselves don’t they? But it's pretty poor that we've got two English lads up there.

The player you'd least like to introduce to your parents?

I think if you asked anyone else they would say me to that question. Probably Bellamy, you wouldn't want to take him round to your mum. He swears a lot and he's got a constant frown on his face.

Best taste in music?

Luis Garcia's had his ipod on in the dressing room the last few weeks and that's not too bad. I don't know what he had on because I'm not really into my music that much.

And the worst taste in music?

It used to be Cisse. Probably Pennant or Sissoko, someone like that.

A player you can't understand?

Paletta can't speak much English at the moment. He's getting there but he's finding it tough. He's only young so he's got a lot of time but I find it hard to understand him. He's probably saying the same about me as well.

Who'd be in your Liverpool five-a-side team from the players in the squad?

Pepe in goal, me as captain, Stevie, Robbie up front to get a goal. We'll have a Scouse team plus Pepe. We'll have Warnock as well. Four scousers and one half Scouser.

Toughest opponent of the year?

Saha's good. Who else? We had a good defensive record last season. Andy Johnson was tough this season, he's very quick and he causes a lot of problems, so I'd probably say him. He was very good, played very well against us.

What's the best chant you've heard all year?

I can't think of any but I remember the banner 'Momo is Boss'. That was a proper Scouse one from home. That was a good 'un.

Best away fans?

Ours, wherever we go! Whenever we go to Europe the fans stay behind. Whether it's PSV or Bordeaux, the fans always stick around when we're doing the warm down. Any European fans create a great atmosphere.

Deflated Reina & Carra vs Riise

I'm sure some of you are aware of the news about Jose Reina and Carragher saying 'top 4 is our aim for now' and then Riise coming out today to blast the 'coward defeatist attitude' of the duo. But once again we've seen the power of the press and their ability to twist the words from the mouth of the players.

After the defeat at Arsenal, Carragher and Reina came out and spoke about the title ambition that is up in the smokes. By being realistic, they said they're now aiming for a top 4 finish which to me sounds realistic at the moment. But Reina's quote about 'fourth place is our target now' doesn't sound good to me at all and I don't think he should've said that. No matter how bad thing get, I don't think we should only be contented at 4th spot although it seemed that's the only place we can finish this season without being named failures. I hope Reina didn't mean it and I hope the players don't rest on their laurels and think that finishing 4th is all they could do now and then go on the season deflated.

Which brings me to the point about Riise, who commented on Reina's deflating speech. I'm sure he himself felt disappointed by the results so far and therefore when he heard words like those, the passion for Liverpool just drove him on to say about only cowards give up and such.

I've no idea what's going on behind the scenes and in the dressing room. But let's hope it's not some serious unrest in the team where one bunch feeling down and out while the others blast them instead of giving their helping hands. It's tough times and I hope that the players can stand united in times like this.

You're playing for a club who has came back from the dead before and what is there to stop you? Results might not be going our way, but I hope everyone give their best regardless of whether we're going to finish fourth or not. At the end of the day, at least you know you've tried your best rather than giving up on everything.

Come on lads, not a time to blast each other on the press and giving up. Know what team you're playing for and fight for the chance to wear that red jersey of yours.

100 Players Who Shook The Kop Top 10

#7 Jamie Carragher

Name: Jamie Carragher

Years at Liverpool: 1996 to present
Position: Defender

Date-of-birth: 28/1/1978

Birthplace: Bootle

Signed from: Apprentice (October 1996)

Games: 426
Goals: 3

Honours: European Cup (2005), FA Cup (2001, 2006), UEFA Cup (2001), League Cup (2001, 2003), Charity Shield (2001, 2006), Super Cup (2001, 2005), FA Youth Cup (1996)




His boyhood footballing allegiances may have lay on the wrong side of Stanley Park but ask any Liverpool fan who their representative is out on the pitch and you can bet the majority would plump for Jamie Carragher.

A blue-blooded Evertonian he may have been when growing up in the Marsh Lane area of Bootle but cut Carragher in half today and he'll bleed nothing but Liverpool red.

A no-nonsense defender, who plays with the passion and devotion of the most fanatical Liverpudlian, Carra has been a key figure in all of the Reds' recent triumphs and his value to the team is priceless.

A local working class hero, with the broadest of Scouse accents, he rose through the Anfield youth ranks and has remained true to his roots. As modest and down-to-earth as they come, in the modern game his attitude is both refreshing and endearing.

Widely regarded as one of the finest out-and-out defenders in Europe at the moment, comparisons with such defensive greats as Franco Baresi should not be taken lightly, for Jamie Carragher is fully deserving of such plaudits.

Whether it be at left-back, right-back or centre-back, he defends the Liverpool goal as if his life depends on it – as perhaps best proved from half-time onwards in the unforgettable 2005 Champions League Final against AC Milan in Istanbul.

While his versatility was to work in his favour to a certain extent during those early years, it prevented him from showing his true class in one position and he was not instantly adopted as a firm favourite of the fans, like he is today.

A succession of big money buys were brought in and his place seemed in constant danger but each and every time he resiliently knuckled down, refused to kick up a fuss and eventually saw off the challenge of all newcomers.

Seemingly growing in stature with every game, Carra slowly won over the doubters and blossomed into a highly consistent performer who was to become one of the first names on the Liverpool team-sheet.

Upon taking over the Anfield managership in 2004, Benitez was so impressed by his dedication and work-rate that he had no hesitation in appointing him vice-captain to Steven Gerrard, and as stand-in skipper he proudly held aloft the European Super Cup the following year.

Carragher will be first to admit that he's not the most technically gifted player to have ever pulled on the red shirt but a combination of hard work and a fully committed approach to his profession have helped him attain his goals.

An impeccable reader of the game and fine man-marker, he's strong in the tackle, dominant in the air and exerts a positive influence on all those around him. He would run through a brick wall in aid of the Liverpool cause and has displayed a willingness to play through the pain barrier.

After breaking his leg away to Blackburn in September 2003 he refused to accept that he couldn't continue and eventually left the field with a genuine belief that he'd let his team-mates down, while during extra-time of the Champions League Final he bravely soldiered on despite being crippled with excruciating cramp.

One of a select band of players to have played over 400 games for the club, his loyalty to the Reds is commendable. When once asked in an interview if he'd ever contemplate a move to somewhere bigger, his quick-as-a-flash reply was 'there is nowhere bigger than Liverpool'.

It's this type of attitude that has helped earn him 'living legend' status among those on the Kop, who dream about a 'team of Carragher's'. There have been many better players in Liverpool history but few have had a greater affinity with the crowd.

'23 Carra Gold' is the wording on one of the many banners to have been created by supporters in his honour and there can be no denying that Jamie Carragher is a present day jewel in Liverpool's crown.

Claim to fame: Giving Jerzy Dudek an inspirational pep-talk before the penalty shoot-out drama in Istanbul

Did you know? He is the longest serving player currently on Liverpool's books and will complete ten years unbroken as a professional at Anfield in October 2006

Chris Bascombe on Jamie Carragher: "I've probably been accused of being chairman of the Jamie Carragher fan club since he broke into the team and it's a funny one with him because when he first got into the side I don't think anybody would have believed he would become the player he has. But every season Carra has been in the team he's raised his game another 10 per cent and I think Liverpool fans have now woken up to how great he is."