We where all dreading this news for the past couple of years,but it has finally broke out. The long serving,rock at the back that is Jamie Carragher has called it a day on his career. A Liverpool player since his teens, Carra has never put a foot wrong in a Liverpool shirt, and although the efforts of manager and players, the Reds defender is calling it a day, and now it is Brendan's job to find his replacement in time for August.
This is never going to be easy, you cannot replace Jamie Carragher and what he has done for Liverpool, but finding a solution to Liverpool's defensive problems is what Brendan is looking to do. Can we ever have that defender who puts himself on the line like Jamie did in Istanbul, moments after injuring himself ? Here is a few defending solutions Brendan can look to this summer to replace our number 23.
1.
Ashley Williams (28, Swansea)
Ashley Williams has constantly been linked with the reds, and as he is linked with current reds manager Rodgers, we might be in with a shout. There is no doubt Ashley has been a rock for Swansea in the last couple of seasons, and he could definitely be one to solve the reds defensive problems. The only glitch being the owners as they have blocked the efforts to sign the 28 year old as he does not fit in with the transfer policy of the club. That and Arsenal being interested in him too.
2.
Toby Alderweireld (24, Ajax)
A day hasn't gone where Alderweireld hasn't been linked with the reds. Reports have come out saying that a fee of 25 million has been agreed for him and Eriksen. Nothing concrete on that yet. We don't know alot about this man yet, he might be a surprise buy by Brendan.
3.
Kyriakos Papadopoulos (21, Schalke)
This young lad has emerged a real talent in the last 2 years or so, and a lot of the top sides in Europe are looking at him this summer. It looks as if Liverpool have made the first inquiry about him , with Chelsea and Spurs among others interested in the Greek. He just might be the answer for the Reds next season.
4.
Phil Jagielka (30, everton)
This would come as a shock to most of you, and in my opinion too, as i wouldn't really like to see him in a red shirt, but recent performances have forced me to put him on this list. Many journalists have been quoted saying that Jagielka would be just what Liverpool need to replace Jamie Carragher in a red shirt. I'd personally give it a 1 % chance of happening, with his age and who he plays for having a huge factor in this.
5.
Alex Pearce (24,Reading)
A month or so ago, a lot of rumours came out that the Reds had agreed a deal to bring the 24 year old Championship bound player to Anfield. Since then, we haven't heard much of him. Not a regular starter for Reading, we can't have alot to be excited about by this rumour. But if Rodgers sees something in him, he might just blossom in a red shirt next season.
6.
Raul Albiol (27, Real Madrid)
When i looked up Raul's age and realised he was still 27, i was abit shocked. Never really made it at Real Madrid and has always been in the reserve set up for Mourinho, a move to another club could be just what Raul Albiol needs. Not too sure about the quality he has, but if he is available at the cheap, then why not give a call to Real Madrid.
7.
Sebastian Coates
Last and definitely not least is our very own Coates. Since his summer move, Coates has never claimed a place in the starting line up. Some shaky performances here and there have had fans calling for him to leave the club, but there is still something that shows me otherwise. Maybe a few starts here and there in the start of next season might show us what we are missing, but if the performances don't come, i might just join the rest of the Liverpool fans.
There goes my list. This will be updated as the summer goes on, and with some names i definitely have missed out, please do leave a comment and have your say about the player/s you think should replace Jamie in the summer.
The legend that is Jamie Carragher has hung up his boots, and we wish the very best for him in what he does in the future... Maybe a return to Liverpool one day in the backroom staff? You never know. One thing we know is that Jamie Carragher is one of the reasons i love this club and always have. Jamie Carragher has left a void that would be very hard to fill, but who could be the one to do it?
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