Gary Neville: Michael Carrick is the mixture of Pirlo, Scholes, and Busquets

Gary Neville praises Manchester United’s Michael Carrick for his versatility

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville feels Manchester United’s midfielder Michael Carrick plays like Andrea Pirlo, Paul Scholes, and Sergio Busquets. Neville had previously claimed that Manchester United were heavily dependent on Carrick, and without him the team played very poorly.

Carrick’s absence in the back to back defeat against Chelsea and Everton only confirmed Neville’s claims. The 33-year old recently signed a new contract for United which extends his time at Old Trafford to 2016.

In one of Neville’s podcast, the 40-year-old was seen praising his former teammate

“I’d say Carrick has the qualities of a Scholes or Andrea Pirlo, and of a Sergio Busquets,” he said.

“Busquets does more defending and Pirlo is more of a rhythm player, like Scholes. Michael is a mix between the two styles.

“Carrick has an opportunity for England with Gerrard’s and Lampard’s retirement”

“It’s unfair to say he is the same as one or the other – he’s different – but he has those qualities. He’s critical for Louis van Gaal and he’s a very important player for England in the next 12 months leading up to a European ­Championship. Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have retired, and now Michael Carrick has an opportunity.”

Neville went on to compliment Carrick and emphasized the importance of his role on guiding the youngsters at United.

“We want cultured players,” Neville added.

“We want players who can see the game, who are intelligent, who understand the game, where to be, when to be [there] and be a coach out on the pitch. That’s what he is.

“The reality is Michael Carrick will be remembered incredibly well by Manchester United players that played with him. But he’ll only be respected when he finishes. He’s an unsung hero.”

The England Coach feels Carrick has not received the recognition he deserves and would only receive it upon his retirement.