By Mighty Reds
October 7 2005

Jamie Carragher has given credit to Rafael Benitez for the development of his career which has seen him go from utility player to one of the best central defenders in England. Carragher was speaking on the eve of England’s game against Austria in which he will probably play left back. He said:

"I am a bit more mature," Carragher says of his form over the last 12 months. "I have had a great deal of help off Rafael Benitez as well. He has certainly helped us as a back four and he is a big student of the game. He studied the Milan team of the late 80s and early 90s and showed us videos of them and he is determined for us to be as solid and tight as possible. It was going quite well until Sunday when we lost to Chelsea!

"The manager has certainly brought me on a lot and maybe the coming years between 27-28 and 31-32 are hopefully the prime for a player.

"People like Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Sol Campbell are fantastic players. The performance John Terry gave at Anfield on Sunday was fantastic. You have to give him great credit. Rio and John are younger than me but they are players I look up to as well. I saw Sol's performances in Euro 2004 and he was outstanding and Rio was one of the best players, if not the best defender at the 2002 World Cup.

"That shows the competition I am facing. I have got no qualms about that. I know how good these players are and I am delighted when the squad is picked to see my name amongst these players.

"My most comfortable position is centre-back. That was where I first started for Liverpool but I played left-back when we won a few trophies under Gerard Houllier. I have moved around a bit but my most favoured position is centre-back but to get a game anywhere for England is a great honour for me. I will play where the manager wants me to play."