How he hasnt played for England more I dont know, he has always been better than Gerrard. Lampard at his peak was better but Carrick is a better now. Barry, milner, wilshere, cleverley are all way off his range of passing. Currently I would say he is either best midfielder in prem or second behind Mata. Yet the media generally ignore him and he doesnt play for England as first choice! its crazy!! Cant think of may players more underrated... Maybe Wes Hoolahan
Who in the prem is better, rather than just making that sarcastic smiley honey? Mata - yes probably maybe an argument for Yaya Toure and Silva but Silva has been poor this season and not really the same sort of midfielder..
I think you have a fair point. For years I actually thought part of Carrick's name was as every 'pool fan (aka bellends) on here and 606 used to say how utterly average our midfield was with Carrick in it. Count the medals. Enough said.
I have always rated Carrick but to say he has always been better than Gerrard is a big claim. I'm glad to see him starting for us and even more happy to see him underated by rival clubs
Remember how earlier before the season started, SAF said that this was Carrick's season to shine. It seems that his performances are getting better and better. The only thing is I am not sure exactly what position he plays. He is no Roy Keane or Defensive midfielder. I'd say he is a holding midfielder in the sense that he makes the team "hold" possession. Him and Cleverly or Anderson have been a good pairing and I can only hope it gets better.
as long as he is paired with a more creative midfielder, e.g. Scholes in years past or cleverly, Anderson now, or for where it is required a more combative midfielder, e.g. Fletcher, Carrick will play well. Ultimately he isn't the most creative, though when he gets it right on occasion he can be excellent, for example a few of his long passes this year, and not to mention that great one at Stamford Bridge in the champions league a few years ago. He is a midfielder that just requires a balanced team, i think though he would be more appreciated abroad or if he was foreign, over here players who hold possession and break up play but not in a physical manner tend to get berated a lot, though the national team often shows that such a player would greatly improve the overall balance and ability of the side. Ultimately though the man who does see the benefit is Sir Alex and that's what matters
I feel he's a deep lying play maker. He uses his passing range and calm demeanor to control the game. He suffers most when teams play high tempo when they're chasing the ball. I agree he plays better when he's playing with Ando/Cleverly as they both love to get forward which pulls midfielders out of position and gives more time and space for Carrick to pick out passes (see Chicharitos game winner against the toon). When he plays with someone like fletcher or Jones he gets to roam farther forward and become more directly involved with the attack. He's got a good shot on him, wish he'd shoot more often.
SAF puts a hold on him. Remember last year he scored a screamer and he mentioned that he was worried SAF wouldn't be mad at him for leaving his deeper lying post to venture up there. He has the quality to shine when given freedom to play further up.
