Messi, Cafu, Gerrard... and Finnan! Liverpool legend Carragher picks his dream teams of the best he's played with and against

What do Lionel Messi, Cafu and Steve Finnan have in common? Answer: Jamie Carragher names them among the most influential players he has played with or against.
To mark his retirement, Sportsmail columnist Carragher selected two teams of players who have made an impression on him during his career for the Liverpool Echo.
The first XI was the best he has played with for Liverpool, including three substitutes, since he made his debut in 1997.
He also selected the best 11 opponents he has faced with the Merseysiders, again with three substitutes.

Waving goodbye: Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has picked his ultimate dream teams

 

THE TEAMS

JAMIE CARRAGHER'S ULTIMATE LIVERPOOL XI
GOALKEEPER: Pepe Reina (2005 - present)

Safe hands: Liverpool's current keeper Pepe Reina is the best in Carragher's opinion

DEFENDERS: Steve Finnan (2003-2008), Sami Hyypia (1999-2009), Daniel Agger (2006-present), John Arne Riise (2001-2008)

Rock-steady: Carragher selected Liverpool stalwart Sami Hyypia in his best team-mates XI

Strike a pose: John Arne Riise's long-range screamers helped him make it into Carragher's team

Back line: Centre-back Carragher selected Steve Finnan (left) as right-back and Daniel Agger in the middle

MIDFIELDERS: Xabi Alonso (2004-2009), Didi Hamann (1999-2006), Steven Gerrard, (1998-present)

Winners: Carragher (left) couldn't leave out long-time team-mate Steven Gerrard from the middle

Celebrate: Xabi Alonso (above) and Didi Hamann (below) make it an all-Champions League 2005 midfield

FORWARDS: Luis Suarez (2011-present), Robbie Fowler (1993-2001, 2006-2007), Michael Owen (1996-2004)

Kop legend: Robbie Fowler had to have a place up front in Carragher's side

Controversial: But Suarez also earns a spot

Firm friends: Carragher picked close friend and former Liverpool goal machine Michael Owen

SUBS: Fernando Torres (2007-2011), Markus Babbel (2000-2004), Javier Mascherano (2007-2010)

Glory days: Carragher (right) picked Fernando Torres for his bench despite his move to Chelsea

Steel: New Millwall boss Markus Babbel (left) and Javier Mascherano (right) also earned a place on the bench

JAMIE CARRAGHER'S ULTIMATE OPPONENTS' XI
GOALKEEPER: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)

DEFENDERS: Cafu (AC Milan) Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus) Marcel Desailly, (Chelsea) Paolo Maldini (AC Milan)

MIDFIELDERS: Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Xavi (Barcelona), Roy Keane (Manchester United

FORWARDS: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Thierry Henry (Arsenal), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

SUBS: Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan), Patrick Vieira (Arsenal), Didier Drogba (Chelsea)