Carra's the best in the world - Terry
by Ben Blackmore, 23 January 2008
England captain John Terry has shocked Liverpool and Chelsea fans alike by admitting Jamie Carragher is the ‘best defender in the world’.
Terry and Carragher are often recognised as the most courageous centre defenders in England, the rocks on which the defences of Chelsea and Liverpool are established.
Such is their style that it is often believed only one can play for England – never together – alongside Rio Ferdinand.
While Terry has gone on to skipper his country, Carragher was overlooked for the likes of Wes Brown by former England coach Steve McClaren, a decision Terry clearly disagrees with.
"I personally think that over the last four or five years he has been the best defender in the world,” said the Chelsea man.
"He has everything you need to be a world class defender and you also have to look at what he's achieved in The Champions League with Liverpool.”
Terry also rubbished claims made by some that Carragher is an overrated defender, whose game is limited purely to defending.
"He's been consistent in The Premier League, he's never injured, he always gives one hundred per cent, he's a good reader of the game, he's quick and is good in the air,” Terry continued.
"For a centre half he's also great on the ground as well. He knows when to get the ball away, when to clear his lines.
"He also never stops talking to his team-mates and that's a great thing to have. Even when you watch games on the television it's always his voice you can hear."