Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom has hailed the influence of veteran Jamie Carragher on his career.
The 19-year-old defender is enjoying his maiden campaign at Liverpool, making 19 appearances since emerging from the academy.
He attributes his development to the coaching sessions he received from Carragher, who is retiring at the end of the season, in the early stages of his time at Melwood.
"I was in the under-16s," Wisdom told the club's magazine. "I remember Carragher taking some of our sessions as part of his coaching qualifications. From there I progressed through the ranks.
"To now be playing with him is great. I learned a lot from him back then and I'm still learning a lot from him now. He's still coaching me in training.
"In fact, I think he coaches everyone. He passes on so much information that he's almost doing the job of a coach already."
Wisdom has had to adjust quickly to the pace of life in the English Premier League, particularly given the mixed season that Liverpool are enduring.
The Leeds-born full-back insists he is enjoying the challenge.
"In each of the games I've played someone has tried to wind me up or intimidate me," Wisdom said.
"It doesn't work because I can look after myself. I enjoy giving banter back too.
"When I was younger my physical attributes would sometimes get me out of trouble. In the Premier League you can't rely on those as much because a lot of the players are big, strong and quick. You have to be good both technically and tactically. Those are areas I'm always working on."
Wisdom has primarily featured at right-back for manager Brendan Rodgers this season, but he has shown his versatility too, switched to centre-back against Anzhi Makhachkala and Chelsea in November.
It is a position Wisdom knows well, having played there frequently for the youth sides, but he insists he does not have a preference, as long as he is playing.
"A lot of people have asked if I'll play centre-back in a few years' time," he said. "I just want to be on the pitch.
"Honestly, I'll play anywhere. I played right-wing for the U18s and I could play in goal if I had to."
