Carra: My Autobiography - Softcover

Über die Autorin bzw. den Autor

Now vice-captain and Liverpool's longest serving player, Jamie Carragher signed professional terms with the Reds aged 18 in October 1996. His first team debut came at Middlesbrough on January 8, 1997 as a substitute and he made his first start versus Aston Villa on January 18, 1998. Carra's passion, enthusiasm and incredible versatility soon ensured regular starts from then on, whether at right-back, left-back, centre-half or defensive midfield.

Carra was part of Gerard Houllier's treble-winning side of 2001, playing most of the season at left-back. His solid displays earned him a full England debut under Sven Goran Eriksson against Holland at White Hart Lane on August 15, 2001. Sadly, like teammate Steven Gerrard, injury ruled him out of the 2002 World Cup, and there was more heartbreak a year later when a fierce tackle forced him to miss six months of the 2003-04 campaign. While Carra had always been a first-team regular at Anfield, he'd somehow struggled to get the recognition he deserved. Each new signing was seen as a threat to his place, and the Kop had yet to reveal its dream of a team of Carraghers. The arrival of new boss Rafa Benitez changed all this, with Mr Versatile getting the permanent centre-back slot he'd always craved. The Bootle boy was soon being labelled the most underrated defender in the country, not least for his heroics in the Champions League and was voted Liverpoolfc.tv's Player of the Year.

In July 2005, the defender signed a new four-year deal at Anfield. His loyalty was rewarded a month later when, in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard, Carra lifted the European Super Cup following victory over CSKA Moscow in Monte Carlo. There was more silverware at the end of the season despite a 21st minute own goal in the FA Cup final against West Ham. It was the defender's 10th final in as many years - and what better way to prepare for the World Cup, even though it was to end in crushing disappointment. In August 2006 Carra captained the club in the Community Shield against champions Chelsea, jointly holding the silver dish aloft with injured skipper Gerrard.