TEVIE: CARRA IS WORLD'S BEST

Jimmy Rice 07 March 2007 Jamie Carragher is the best defender in the world according to friend and teammate Steven Gerrard.

Anfield witnessed another defending masterclass from Carra against Barcelona on Tuesday as some of the best players in the world tried and failed to overturn Liverpool's first leg lead. Last season the defender declared he wouldn't swap Gerrard for Ronaldinho – now the skipper has returned the favour. "Over the two legs, Carra has been phenomenal," said Gerrard. "Maybe there are a few outside Liverpool who are surprised by how good he's been, but it's no surprise to me or anyone else who has seen him just get better and better every season. "I look around at the defenders across Europe and the rest of the world, and I really don't see anyone who's better than him. I definitely wouldn't swap him for anyone. "I also know the England manager was in the crowd last night, and after seeing a performance like that, it's going to make his next team selection very interesting. "But as well as Carra, I think all the lads deserve credit for the way we got through. Daniel Agger is an unbelievable talent for his age, Steve Finnan was magnificent in both games and Alvaro Arbeloa has come into the side and done a great job straight away." Meanwhile, Gerrard claims he doesn't care who the Reds draw in the last eight on Friday. "Last night was fantastic, but to really put it up there with the greatest European nights, I think we have to make it count and keep this going," he said. "If we can go all the way, we'll look back and say this was one of our best ever achievements, knocking out the holders. But if we go out in the next round, it won't mean as much. "I think I'd rather not play an English team next, but I don't really care. After Barcelona, we're ready for anyone."