Jamie Carragher didn’t hesitate to name the best player he’s played with and thinks he’s better than Zinedine Zidane

Jamie Carragher has revealed the one footballer that he played with that be believes is better than Zinedine Zidane.

Liverpool legend Carragher has played alongside some of the best players in the history of football including Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen and Xabi Alonso.

During his 17 year career, the former defender also faced off against some of the world’s best across the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds and on international duty for England.

However, there is one player that stood out amongst the rest as the greatest footballer he played with, and it may surprise you.

Speaking to fourfourtwo, Carragher listed his perfect team, comprised of both players who he had shared a pitch with and others that he had watched growing up.

And when it came to deciding his left midfielder, the Liverpool legend made a controversial call, choosing to put former teammate John Barnes in the position over Zidane, who is widely considered to be one of the best midfielders of all time.

He said: “Barnesey is simply the best player I’ve ever played with or trained with. It was a real pleasure and a privilege to be there with him. He was phenomenal.

“I don’t think I ever saw him give the ball away, in a match or in training. He’d be on the left of the midfield, which is of course his natural position – and that’s why Zidane’s got to go on the right!”

Both Barnes and Zidane typically played on the left side of the midfield, seemingly forcing Carragher to pick between the two for his perfect eleven.

John Barnes made 406 appearances for Liverpool. (Image: Getty)

His decision to snub Zidane and pick Barnes, whom he only played alongside for one match at Liverpool, shows just how highly he regards the Englishman.

However, the 46-year-old decided he could not leave Zidane out of his team, and altered the rules slightly in order to fit the Frenchman into the eleven out of position as a right midfielder.

He continued: “I would play four in midfield and that would have to include Zidane, the best player of the modern era. I would select him officially on the right but give him a free role because there’s no one better for such a job.”