Carra hailed as world's best

Jamie Carragher has been hailed as the world's best defender by his colleagues.

Carragher was one of the stand-out players for The Reds in their two-legged success over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League.

Liverpool captain Steve Gerrard is not surprised by Carragher's displays on the European stage and would not swap him at the back for anyone.

"I look around at the defenders across Europe and the rest of the world and I really don't see anyone better than him," stated Gerrard.

"Over the two legs Carragher was phenomenal. I definitely wouldn't swap him for anyone.

"Maybe there are a few outside Liverpool who are surprised by how good he has been.

"But it's been no surprise to me or anyone else who has seen him. He just gets better and better every season."

Striker Peter Crouch has also heaped praise on Carragher following his impressive outings against Barcelona.

"We've needed him in these games and I'd put him up there with the best defenders in the world," said Crouch.