Rafa Benitez has labelled
Jamie Carragher one of the best defenders in Europe.
Carragher's discipline and organisation has been an integral part
of Liverpool's success under Benitez.
And the Liverpool boss knows he can rely on the England defender
for leadership as they reach a crucial stage of the season.
On Saturday the Anfield club tackle Arsenal in the Premiership in
the lunchtime kick-off, before flying out to Eindhoven for the
first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against PSV on
Tuesday night
"For me Jamie is one of the best defenders in Europe. He is always
focused on the game, always trying to learn," said the Liverpool
coach.
"That is the key for me because each season he improves a little
bit. He is always listening and that is one of the reasons he can
keep improving.
"It is the same every training session, always working hard, always
trying to improve.
"He reminds me of a hunting dog, when I want something specific
done in defence he is very willing to learn. As a defender he is
someone you do not want to play against, to have marking you.
"He is always learning and that is so important for our future and
his."
Benitez also believes Carragher's presence is a key factor in the
development of the club's younger players.
"He is good for the young players, showing them what to do and how
to play. Carra lets them know what is expected. It is so important,
he puts people under pressure and that is really good for team
spirit," he added.
"Jamie is playing really well, for the last two seasons he has been
a really key player for us."