Manchester United legend-turned-pundit Gary Neville heaped praise on Michael Carrick ahead of this weekend's testimonial match.
The former England international was recently rewarded with a year's extension after he impressed for Jose Mourinho's men who lifted the Europa League crown.
As a result of their European success, Manchester United finds themselves in the Champions League next season regardless of the league table where they finished a lowly sixth.
Carrick, who has amassed over 300 league outings for the Red Devils, is due to have his testimonial match this weekend after having spent nearly 11 years since his switch from Tottenham Hotspur in 2006.Neville had seen Carrick progress into a top-class talent at United, and he had some good words to stay about his fellow Englishman ahead of this weekend's game.
"When I first heard Michael Carrick had signed for United, I already knew what a good player he was because I'd just been with him at the 2006 World Cup," he told Sky Sports.
"Straight away and over the following years, even among my friends and even when we were winning leagues, there were challenges to convince people about how good a player Michael was, and how important he was to the team."
Carrick, now 35, is set to lead a star-studded all England XI including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard as they take on a victorious 2008 United side, which lifted the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be the sole absentee in the squad managed by Sir Alex Ferguson, who makes a short return to management for the weekend showpiece.The former Spurs man has earned plaudits for his performances in recent seasons, and there is a sense this could be his final year in professional football unless he can maintain his fitness levels through the 2017/18 campaign.
Carrick managed to make 30 starts across all competitions for the Red Devils last term as they clinched a double by winning the EFL Cup.