Michael Carrick
Tuesday, 15 January, 2008
Despite suffering a number of injuries, Michael Carrick was made three appearances in 2007.
Michael Carrick
DOB 28.07.81
2007 Caps 3, Goals 0
Career Caps 14, Goals 0
Manchester United
Michael Carrick was in tremendous form for Manchester United in the title run-in earlier in 2007, going some way to show why Sir Alex Ferguson was prepared to pay Tottenham a reported £18.6m transfer fee.
He probably would have played more than three times for England in the year had it not been for niggling injuries that kept him out of the squad for some vital EURO 2008 qualifiers. That, coupled with the fact he was always battling for a place in the side against proven performers such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard.
One of his two starts came against Germany, where he formed a good understanding with Lampard, sitting deep to control the tempo of the second-half fightback, allowing his team-mate to push forward and put in a fine display.
His other substantial performance came against Spain in familiar surroundings at Old Trafford, where he displaced Lampard in the centre.
Up against world class opposition in Xavi, Carrick certainly did not look out of place. His other appearance was as an 88th minute substitute for Lampard in the draw with Brazil, at Wembley.
"I'm very disappointed [to be injured] because I was really enjoying my football. I don't want to miss any games, especially big games like the England ones coming up. It's the business end of the qualification and it's a blow there. Nevertheless, it's happened and I have to deal with it and come back fresh again." Michael Carrick
"I think he has settled in and now we are seeing a player who has come to good age and showed good maturity and he is an absolutely sensational passer of the ball. He creates chances and gives us opportunities and that is why we bought him." Sir Alex Ferguson