Carragher’s ultimate XI named as Liverpool Champions League heroes included

Jamie Carragher's former teammates would surely tell you that they were happy to have him by their side.

Only one man, Ian Callaghan, has made more appearances for Liverpool than his 737, as Carragher made himself a central force in Liverpool's efforts in Europe and domestically during his 17 years in the first-team.

The Reds might not have captured the Premier League title during Carragher's time in the team, but he still shared a dressing room with some excellent players – mostly during both Gerard Houllier and Rafael Benitez's periods in charge.

So, who were the Sky Sports pundit's most common teammates?

The rules

• The XI is made up of players who made the most appearances alongside our featured player or for our featured manager. We're not looking for an overall 'Best' XI, and the player/manager himself isn't in it.
• For a player, the appearance numbers are based on the time they spent on the pitch at the same time as our main man, factoring in both club and international level.
• This isn't necessarily the eleven players who've spent the most time on the pitch with/for him, just the eleven that would fit into a working team.
• We're not going to come up with a Garth Crooksesque formation, but we might name subs if we feel like it.
• All minutes played and appearances stats are courtesy of transfermarkt.co.uk.
• Don't get angry in the comments section.

Carra is the latest man to go under the teammates challenge, and his XI includes some real Liverpool legends.

Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina

Appearances with Carragher: 341

Arriving in the aftermath of Liverpool's 2005 Champions League win, Reina would go on to be a reliable last line of defence for the Reds for most of the next eight years.

His final game for the club was also Carragher's last, against QPR in May 2013.

Right-back: Steve Finnan

Appearances with Carragher: 192

Carragher featured at right-back for Liverpol fairly regularly in his early career, but when he moved to centre-back it was Finnan who made the position his own.

The Republic of Ireland international played 217 games for the Reds, with the vast majority of them coming next to Carragher.

Centre-back: Stephane Henchoz

Appearances with Carragher: 177

When the Swiss was playing that usually meant that Carragher was at full-back, often playing on the left in the 2000/01 cup treble winning season.

Henchoz was a reliable, no-nonsense defender, but Rafa Benitez moved him on when he moved Carragher to centre-back shortly after his arrival.

Centre-back: Sami Hyypia

Appearances with Carragher: 405

One of Liverpool's all-time great bargains, the Finn became a mainstay of the Reds defence for 10 years between 1999 and 2009, playing alongside Carragher at centre-back for the latter half of that.

Never the quickest, his positioning sense and intelligence made him a top defender.

Left-back: John Arne Riise

Appearances with Carragher: 307

Another 2005 Champions League winner, the Norwegian was known for his hammer of a left foot and his ability going forward.

He was also at home at left-back though, and was a frequent presence there after his signing in 2001 ensured Carragher could play elsewhere.

Defensive midfield: Dietmar Hamann

Appearances with Carragher: 250

Famously introduced at half-time of the 2005 Champions League final, the German was a favourite of the Reds fans and indeed of the Reds squad.

Hamann was a reliable performer, and capable of sitting in front of the defence to great effect.

Central midfield: Steven Gerrard

Appearances with Carragher: 571

There's no surprise that it is Gerrard who has been alongside Carragher the most often, with England games also factoring into the huge number.

The Reds legends won the Champions League alongside each other in 2005, and will forever be connected by that Istanbul night.

Central midfield: Danny Murphy

Appearances with Carragher: 209

An arrival from Crewe Alexandra, Murphy was a versatile and important midfielder for Liverpool under Gerard Houllier, particularly so in the successful 2000/01 season.

He was swiftly moved on by Benitez though, having made 246 appearances in all.

Forward: Dirk Kuyt

Appearances with Carragher: 244

As reliable as the week is was long, Dutchman Kuyt was a favourite of Benitez and became famed for his work-rate in the Liverpool side.

He scored in the 2007 Champions League final, but couldn't save the Reds from defeat to AC Milan.

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