Jamie Carragher sends apology as Liverpool legend defends 'tough' choice - 'Seem to do a lot'

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has apologized to Chelsea fans after selecting his Premier League team of the season so far on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football

Jamie Carragher speaks on Monday Night Football

Jamie Carragher has extended an apology to Chelsea supporters after leaving Moises Caicedo out of his team of the season so far.

On Sky Sports' Monday Night Football, the ex-Liverpool defender unveiled his top XI for the campaign. No Liverpool players made the cut after a disappointing start to the Reds' title defense, and Caicedo's omission proved notably glaring. Carragher chose Declan Rice, Granit Xhaka and Bruno Fernandes as his midfield trio.

Justifying his choices, Carragher said: "Formation wise, we've gone with a standard 4-2-3-1. So I've gone with Xhaka and Rice in there. The other one to put in was Caicedo and that was a really tough one. I didn't want to put all three because I think they're almost, not defensive, but I want to put an attacking midfield player in there.

"I've obviously got Bruno Fernandes. I've said I think Rice just has the edge on Caicedo. But I just felt the impact of Xhaka this season is the biggest impact of a signing or effect on a team.

"It feels like he's just so important to Sunderland. So I just felt he had to be in the team. So I apologize to Chelsea fans, as I seem to do a lot! But no, I couldn't find room for Caicedo because of those reasons," reports the Express.

"And also, I had to put Bruno Fernandes in. They're going to miss him, he doesn't miss too many games now he's injured.

Jamie Carragher apologized after leaving Moises Caicedo out of his side(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

"But, I mean, you look at his numbers, I think he's still created the most chances, maybe got the most assists in the Premier League, or certainly very close.

"He's the outstanding chance creator in the Premier League even playing from a deeper position."

Carragher also outlined his reasoning for omitting Reece James from the right-back spot, explaining: "I would say the right back position is probably the most difficult.

"I was really close to putting [Jurrien] Timber in, who I'm a huge fan of. Also, Reece James, he's been outstanding, but he's played a lot of his football in central midfield. But every time I watch this guy, fantastic.

"Part of a really strong defensive unit until the last couple of games that he wasn't part of, I should add. But I think he's got three goals, a couple of assists as well, so I think he's fantastic - Daniel Munoz."

When pressed to name his standout three performers this season, Carragher replied: "[Erling] Haaland and Rice would be certainly the two that would stand out right away, and I think [Morgan] Rogers is sort of just on their coat tails."