When tough-tackling defender Jamie Carragher retires from the game, many expect that the passionate Englishman will be one of the dying breed of one-club men to hang up his boots. The majority of successful, big-name footballers in the modern age fail to remain with the same club for more than just a few years, so the captivating story of Carragher’s lengthy Liverpool career is all the more special. But will the ageing centre-back see out the last few years of his footballing life at Anfield or will he be tempted to switch to another club if he cannot secure regular first-team action?
The likelihood is that the 33-year-old will remain a Red for as long as he is player. Carragher has become one of the symbols of Liverpool Football Club. His commitment to the Reds cannot be questioned and the local hero has been one of the Merseysiders’ greatest ever players. However, Carragher has recently found himself in an unusual position – warming the bench despite being fit and available for selection. Has his time as a guaranteed starter and the first name on the team-sheet finally come to an end?
Carragher has been an unused substitute in Liverpool’s last four Premier League games. Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel have instead been preferred at the heart of a Reds’ defence which has conceded just 13 goals in the top-flight all season – the best defensive record in the league. And while Liverpool appear to be doing well without their influential vice-captain, it will be interesting to see when Carragher will next step out in the starting XI for the Anfield club.
Speaking about his recent time on the bench, Carragher told the Daily Telegraph: “I am not the future of Liverpool. Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel and Sebastian Coates are. But I can still be part of the present for a few more years.” He added: “If I’ve played nearly 700 games for Liverpool, it means someone else has been on the bench showing respect for me, so I have no problem when it is the other way around. I am at one of the biggest teams in the world, a club which is looking for players in every country.” Carragher went on to admit: “You want to be involved and you’re disappointed when you are not, but I am aware my situation is changing over the next few years.”
This is not an easy time for Carragher, who is used to being the main man at the back for Liverpool, rather than a helpless observer from the bench. However, given fellow defender Agger’s injury history over the last few years, it remains likely that he will soon return to the fold. Carragher could even be involved at Aston Villa this weekend, should Kenny Dalglish decide to include him. But when Carragher next gets a chance, he will have to make the most of his opportunity and impress. After all, no outfield player is guaranteed a start at Anfield this season.
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