Jamie Carragher admits Liverpool were too quick to sell Danny Murphy - who he insists was immensely underrated. The former England midfielder was at Anfield for seven years, playing alongside Carragher as the Reds won the FA Cup, League Cup and the UEFA Cup in a single season. Murphy though was sold once Rafa Benitez rocked up on Merseyside. He was allowed to leave for Charlton Athletic for £2.5m. Murphy then went on to play for Tottenham and Fulham in the top flight before he ended his career with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.
Carragher believes that the midfielder was under appreciated, citing his ability to perform in the biggest of games as he scored in wins over Manchester United in successive years. "Someone who was really underrated was Danny Murphy. Danny could play anywhere across midfield, created goals and scored goals – often in the biggest games. Danny always turned up when it mattered against Everton and Manchester United.".
He added, speaking to the Telegraph in a Q&A: ""He was not the most mobile player but he was brave – he always wanted the ball and wanted to contribute. You see some midfielders highly rated today and they hardly ever assist or score and they will hide when the going gets tough. We sold Danny too early.
"He was a lot better than many we brought in afterwards, that’s for sure.". Murphy was told by Benitez that his game time was going to be limited and that was a motive in his decision to head to London to play his football. With the benefit of hindsight though he wishes he stayed and fought for his position, especially given their Champions League success that year.
