Former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp likens Michael Carrick's role to Barcelona's Andres Iniesta

Manchester United’s Michael Carrick’s role in the Manchester United side is not to be overlooked

Jamie Redknapp, former Liverpool footballer and Sky Sports pundit joined the latest set of personalities to comment on Carrick’s talent and performance comparing him to Manchester United’s Andres Iniesta. The pundit was full of appraisal for the English midfielder and stated ‘it was a criminal by the English Football Association’, using Carrick sparingly at the international level. He further opined that Carrick will be a key figure in the England squad to play at the EURO-16 next summer.

Carrick is acknowledged for being at ease when controlling a match and is prominent for creating attacking options for strikers with his distribution. Former Boss and an iconic figure Sir Alex Ferguson went as far as to name him as the ‘best English midfielder in the country’ earlier this year. Carrick is generally a respectable figure within the walls of Old Trafford but it is only now that he is finally getting the credit for his talents.

Getting compared to someone of Iniesta’s class is indeed quite a compliment for the 34 year old Carrick, but Redknapp did not stop there, he added, “They may not have the best stats for goals or assists, but they are at the heart of it all, he said last week. It’s the same with Andres Iniesta and Luka Modric, they keep things ticking over, as does Carrick. He makes the passes that lead to the key pass.”

Carrick’s fitness has been a major stumbling block to his recognition. His importance has been highlighted recently after his return from the latest injury, United has seen 5 wins on a stretch including the 2-1 win at Anfield two weeks ago. Not only at the domestic level but Carrick’s recent form has helped England too, as his presence in the friendly match against Italy swung the game in England’s favour which saw them end the match a 1-1 draw.