Source: Daily_Mail
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher fears for homegrown talent
Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher believes it is becoming increasingly rare for players to follow the path he did and graduate from the club's academy to the first team. [LNB]The Bootle-born centre-back, 32 later this month, made his 600th appearance for the club just over a fortnight ago. [LNB]He began as an apprentice at Anfield, signing a professional contract in 1996, before progressing through the ranks. [LNB] 'Mr Liverpool': Jamie Carragher has played over 600 games for the Reds [LNB]This season has seen the likes of defenders Stephen Darby, 21, andMartin Kelly, 19, handed their full first team debuts having both comethrough the academy. [LNB]However, Carragher thinks the career path followed by himself and captain Steven Gerrard is becoming more and more unlikely. [LNB] 'I think it's more difficult to come through the ranks now thanwhen I was a youngster,' the Liverpool vice-captain told the LiverpoolDaily Post. [LNB] Destruction Darby: Stephen Darby started in Liverpool's FA Cup game against Reading on Saturday[LNB][LNB] 'There are a lot more foreign players at the club, and now with thelevel the team is at, basically if they want to come through then theyhave to be ready to play Champions League football. [LNB] 'That shows how difficult it is.' [LNB] Liverpool are believed to be nearing a deal to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Maxi Rodriguez. [LNB]However, that may depend on manager Rafael Benitez being able tomove on forward Andriy Voronin, who has attracted interest from clubsin Russia, and defender Andrea Dossena, who could move back to Italywith Napoli. [LNB] Our £20m man Aquilani is just like Xabi Alonso, claims Liverpool star GerrardTottenham offer flop Bentley in bid to beat Liverpool for Maxi RodriguezStoke slap £20m price tag on 'not for sale' defender Ryan ShawcrossLIVERPOOL FC
