Carra learning from Rafa

Carra is in no doubt that Rafa has played a major role in transforming him into a world class defender:
"I am a bit more mature. 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."
He said: "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."
Although Carra can play anywhere across the defence his favourite position is in the centre.
"My most comfortable position is centre-back. That was where I first started for Liverpool. 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."
I'm expecting Carra to play at left back for England on Saturday. I'm sure he will put in another accomplished performance wherever Sven plays him.