400 UP FOR 'SPECIAL' STAR CARRAGHER
Liverpool Echo 14 February 2006
Jamie Carragher joins Liverpool's elite 400 club tonight, with Rafa Benitez paying tribute to an achievement he believes will become increasingly rare in the modern game.
Carragher will become only the 24th player in Anfield history to play 400 games for the Reds when he faces Arsenal, joining legends such as Ian Callaghan, Alan Hansen, Ian Rush and, most recently, John Barnes.
The landmark will mean a lot to the Bootle-born defender who's developed into one of the most respected defenders in Europe since his debut nine years ago.
Benitez says only 'special' players have the skill and loyalty to remain at one club for such a long period.
"It's more difficult for a player to stay at the same club for a long time now and even more so to play the number of games he has," says Benitez.
"All the time I've known Carragher he's managed to do something even more difficult. Not only has he played at a lot of games, he's been able to do so at a very high level and be so consistent.
"For me, it's a fantastic achievement and it's fantastic for me to have someone who is such a good professional.
"There are other players who've played similar numbers of games for their club recently, but usually they're goalkeepers. Canizares at Valencia was the same. Maybe it's a trend among centre-backs too. You don't seem to get many strikers who can make so many appearances for one club these days."
Carragher's ongoing form is in stark contrast to England rival Sol Campbell, who'll be missing from the Arsenal side tonight.
Carragher will partner Sami Hyypia in a side which is expected to see Robbie Fowler make his first Anfield start since his return.
Peter Crouch is in contention having recovered from a heel injury.
Midfielder Xabi Alonso dismisses claims Arsene Wenger's side will be a lighter touch than usual following an erratic season at Highbury.
"They may be struggling, but they are a great side that plays football the right way, with a great passing style," said Spanish star Alonso.
"But we hope playing the game at Anfield in front of our own supporters will be to our advantage after our three recent away games."
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