Jamie Carragher: 'Steven Gerrard is the perfect role model'

Jamie Carragher has praised outgoing Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard for the example that the Reds captain sets the younger players at the club.

Gerrard will play his final game at Anfield on Saturday evening when Crystal Palace visit Merseyside, and Carragher believes that his former teammate has been a perfect role model throughout the 17 years at his boyhood club.

Carragher told Sky Sports News: "He's always been a huge example to everyone at the club, but especially young players coming through the club because he's a local player.

"He's come through the ranks and done what they all want to do – be a hero for Liverpool, be the top man. That's what every young kid in the academy wants to be. I'm sure they all want to be Steven Gerrard – that's an example really.

"Whenever young players come through there he's always the reference point. The young lads want to speak to him, pick his brains. He's been a huge example and a huge help to players."

Gerrard, who is third on the club's all-time appearance list with 708, will move to Los Angeles Galaxy when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the campaign.