Jamie Carragher needs to regain his confidence - and the Chelsea game is the ideal opportunity

By Mark Lawrenson

Published 23:00 02/10/09

• 

Jamie Carragher looks a worried man in the heart of the defence.

For so many years, Carragher has been Liverpool’s Mr Dependable because he has been so consistent and is so passionate about the club.

But Carragher has endured a sticky start to the season and it looks as if he is growing concerned about his pace against the top strikers.

Carragher looked shaky against Fiorentina in midweek and struggled against West Ham for pace a couple of games ago.

At the moment, Carragher looks as if he is taking a step back to give himself a bit of extra insurance against quick strikers.

Carragher has never been the quickest of players but his commitment, determination and dedication has made him a world class defender.

Not only that but Carra is a great talker, great organiser and a great leader. Steven Gerrard is the captain but Carragher is still an inspiration to his team mates.

But if you are worried about your pace then the most natural thing in the world is to take a step back and ensure that you give yourself an extra yard to catch quick strikers.

Sadly, that means then sometimes you’re giving them too much space and licence to turn and be a threat on goal.

Liverpool do look wobbly at the back because all of a sudden if you have one centre half struggling for form and confidence then it affects the other.

Up until now, Carragher has been a great foil for Martin Skrtel and the pair look a very imposing double act in central defence.

But now they look shaky. Daniel Agger has played for the reserves but is still not match fit. I can’t believe Carragher would be dropped for the Chelsea game. Nor do I think that long term Agger and Skrtel would be the right pairing.

Carragher is a perfect foil for both but he must rediscover his form and confidence very quickly indeed, especially ahead of games like these.

It will be very tough for Liverpool but, if anything, Carragher will actually be relishing the challenge against Didier Drogba.

It’s in these tight games, physical battles, when Carragher really excels and as long as he learns from his recent mistakes then he can come back strongly.

Rafa Benitez insists that the Liverpool staff have done all of their usual checks on Carragher and that he has come back as quick, fit and strong as in recent seasons.

Therefore, it suggests it’s a confidence thing. There is no better place to get your confidence back than in one of these games.

Chelsea, too, have stuttered in the last couple of games. I think there was an element of complacency at Wigan. They probably sat in the dressing room beforehand, expecting to win.

As soon as you approach games like that then it’s hard to change that mindset midway through the contest and Chelsea were taught a hard lesson.

They came back in the Champions League against a weak team with a not very convincing victory. But it was still a win.

Didier Drogba also returns from his European ban and this is a guy who has rediscovered his appetite, not just for goals but for football and the game in general.

Drogba knows that this will probably be his last big contract, his last big chance at the top and he appears to be relishing it.

Drogba is bullying defences, scoring goals and working hard. It will be one hell of a test for Carragher and the liverpool defence.

But it has also been the first test for Carlo Ancelotti and his management. Questions are being asked after one defeat, and yet Chelsea look strong, well organised and you can see from John Terry that the will to win is there.

Make no mistake. Chelsea will be up there challenging for the title as will Liverpool, despite their rather inconsistent start.

But I don’t think this will be a classic. We thought the Champions League encounter would be a rather dull affair last season and yet that proved to be a goal fest.

However, it will be back to normal service on Sunday with a tight, scrappy and hard fought draw which will probably suit both clubs at this stage.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!