Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has admitted that he has been “wound up” by the criticism aimed at Sergio Ramos since he was linked with a move to Manchester United.
It has been reported that United will look to include Ramos in any deal involving current goalkeeper David De Gea, with Real Madrid keen on signing the 24-year-old stopper.
However, since reports leaked of a move to Old Trafford, Ramos has been scrutinised for being a hot head with many lamenting his poor disciplinary record.
The Spain international currently holds the record for most red cards in La Liga history after being given his marching orders for the 19th time last season.
But Carragher claims if Ramos isn’t rated as one of the best defenders in the world, who is?
Speaking on TalkSPORT, the Monday Night Football pundit said:
“I get a bit wound up by the criticism Ramos gets.
This is a fella who has won everything, he players for one of the best clubs in the world and one of the best international sides we’ve ever seen.
He is rash at times, he has moments of madness and does get overly emotional in games, that’s always been a problem for him, but let’s not forget that it’s a problem for Wayne Rooney as well.
I’m not bothered about whether United sign him or not, or whether he’d be a good signing or not, but if he is not rated as one of the world’s best players, who is?
Carragher also defended the player by claiming that all defenders make mistakes and that the 29-year-old is a dying breed:
“If his trophy record doesn’t give him a bit of credit, what chance have I, or any of the centre-backs in the Premier League, got?
I think it’s disrespectful – he’s won nearly 130 caps for Spain! He’s not playing for Mickey Mouse teams.
I’ve heard callers say he hasn’t reacted well under pressure and he makes mistakes – what defender doesn’t make mistakes?
If a team like Real Madrid could find a better defender, they would, but they don’t. Ramos plays every week, they win everything and people still chip away at him and criticise him.
Top class centre-backs are a dying breed now, there’s very few now compare to years ago. If United don’t get Ramos, or don’t want to sign him, who else would they get?”
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