Jamie Carragher

Vice-captain Jamie Carragher, like skipper Steven Gerrard a one-club man, has been instrumental in the Reds’ success over 15 years, during which he has made more than 600 appearances. By the time he signed professional in October, 1996, he had already represented England U21s, and had been part of Liverpool’s FA Youth Cup winning team alongside Michael Owen and David Thompson. His senior debut came at Middlesbrough on January 8, 1997, when he went on as substitute in the Coca-Cola Cup and he made his first Premiership start against Aston Villa on January 18, 1998, a milestone which he marked with a rare goal. His great defensive versatility earned him an England call-up as substitute against Hungary in April 1999. When new bosss Rafael Benitez arrived on Merseyside the Scouser was finally given the permanent centre-back slot he had always wanted, and his heroics played a big part in Liverpool winning the 2005 Champions League. One of the most iconic images from that remarkable come-back in Istanbul is of him collapsing with cramp after yet another last-ditch block tackle. He played three times for England in the 2006 World Cup, but was one of the players who missed from the spot in the penalty shoot-out as England went down to Portugal in the quarter-final, and he made two appearances in the 2010 finals. He broke Ian Callaghan’s club record of 89 European appearances in 2006-07 and is only the 12th player to top 500 appearances for Liverpool. He is still, however, chasing a Premiership title medal.