Jamie Carragher has hailed Danny Murphy as the most underrated player he shared the pitch with at Liverpool. Murphy, who joined the club from Crewe Alexandra for £1.5 million in 1997, spent six seasons at Anfield.
During that time, the midfielder played a key role in Liverpool’s success, helping the team win the FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Cup, and UEFA Super Cup before being sold to Charlton Athletic in 2004 for £2.5 million.
Reflecting on Murphy’s time at Liverpool, Carragher expressed regret over the club’s decision to part ways with him.
Speaking during a Q&A with The Telegraph, the Liverpool legend said: “Danny Murphy was incredibly underrated. He could play anywhere across the midfield, contributed goals, and stepped up in big games.”
“He always delivered against rivals like Everton and Manchester United. He wasn’t the most mobile player, but he had courage. He always wanted the ball and made things happen.”
Carragher criticized the club’s decision to sell Murphy, stating:
“We sold Danny too early. He was far better than many of the players we brought in to replace him later.”
After leaving Liverpool, Murphy enjoyed stints at Charlton, Tottenham, Fulham, and Blackburn Rovers, eventually retiring after a successful career.
Carragher also shared insights about Everton’s best side during his playing days. He highlighted the 2012 FA Cup semi-final as the only time he felt Liverpool were underdogs against their Merseyside rivals.
“That Everton team was strong,” Carragher said, pointing out key players like Nikica Jelavic, Leighton Baines, Tim Cahill, and Marouane Fellaini.
Carragher noted that Everton’s strength in the mid-2010s reflected the impact of then-manager David Moyes, who he called “seriously underrated.”
He added, “The last two years of my career, Everton finished above us in the table. That hadn’t happened in successive seasons since the 1930s when both teams were in the same division.”
Carragher’s reflections highlight his deep respect for Murphy’s contributions and Moyes’ achievements, shedding light on pivotal moments from his career.