LONDON: Jamie Carragher has hit out at Liverpool fans on social media who criticised him for praising Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
The centre-back played exclusively for Liverpool throughout his 17-year career, scoring five goals in 739 appearances for the club.
He often captained Liverpool in the absence of Steven Gerrard and lifted the European Champions League trophy in 2005, as well as two FA Cups and three League Cups.
Carragher is a well-known sports pundit on Sky Sports and was on duty during Chelsea’s 4-3 win at Spurs last Sunday.
But the 46-year-old was criticised by his former club’s fans when he said Palmer was the best player in the Premier League over the past 18 months, with many criticising his statement for forgetting to mention Reds star Mohamed Salah.
However, Carragher responded to the criticism on social media by asking those who disagreed with him to watch the full recording of his statement.
“He took the penalty and was involved in (Enzo) Fernandez’s goal, three or four players around him. That’s what great players do – you’re terrified when he gets the ball.
“I liked him last season and he’s started well this season. A few weeks ago I said, if you look at the last 18 months at Chelsea, I don’t think there’s a player in the Premier League who has performed better than him.
“And he’s not playing for the best team. They look like one of the best teams in the league right now.
“Before Chelsea had great players in attack like (Giafranco) Zola and (Eden) Hazard, I think he has done more than Zola in these 18 months.
“If he manages to lead Chelsea to the title this season or in the next two or three seasons, I believe he will be the club’s greatest player.
“He’s a very special player and not just in the Premier League, but Europe and the world,” said Carragher.