Both share the same resilience and never-say-die spirit for their respective clubs and are a permanent fixture in their sides when fit. The Liverpool defender has now retired from international football, but Terry believes he still has a lot to offer.

"I personally think that over the last four or five years he has been the best defender in the world," said Terry.

"He has everything you need to be a world class defender and you also have to look at what he's achieved in the Champions League with Liverpool.

great thing

""He's been consistent in the Premier League, he's never injured, he always gives 100 per cent, he's a good reader of the game, he's quick and is good in the air.

"For a centre half he's also great on the ground as well. He knows when to get the ball away, when to clear his lines. He also never stops talking to his team-mates and that's a great thing to have. Even when you watch games on the television it's always his voice you can hear."

 Terry also said he admired Carragher's landmark of playing 500 matches for his club.

"To reach 500 games is a huge achievement," said Terry. "I've been at Chelsea a long time and am still nowhere near that total. He is a credit to himself."