Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has spoken out about the difficulties Jon Flanagan faced when he was called up to play at left back against Everton. No one knows better how to play at left back when you are right footed more than Carragher himself, who was thrust into that position under Gerard Houllier.
Speaking on Liverpoolfc.com, Carragher said, “Flanagan came in at left-back. I’ve played there and it’s not easy playing on your opposite side. Flanagan proved himself under Kenny Dalglish.”
Flanagan looked very solid against Everton and it will be no surprise if Brendan Rodgers continues to play him there for the up coming games now that Jose Enrique has been ruled out for 10 weeks.
Carragher went on to praise Flanagan by saying, “It was great for me to see two local lads on opposite sides who were the two outstanding outfield players on the pitch.
“I thought the best player on the pitch was Simon Mignolet, but in terms of outfield players it was Flanagan and [Ross] Barkley. For me, they were the two stand-out players in the teams.
“We talk about young English players getting a chance, well Flanagan gets a chance and is one of the best players in the derby match.
“Now he has the confidence of Brendan Rodgers, I think we’ll see a lot more of him.”
Liverpool’s younger players have certainly been given a chance to perform in the first team under Rodgers, namely Sterling, Suso, Kelly and Wisdom. Now it is Flanagan’s chance to really prove what he can do. The big test will be on the weekend when Liverpool visit Hull. It is never easy to put in two man of the match performances in a row but it is something Flanagan may have to do to really cement his place in the side and show that his performance in the Merseyside Derby was not just a once off.
Martin Kelly is 23 and played in 5 league games under Rodgers haha.. Hardly a young player being given a shot.