Gerard Houllier likens Carlos Cuellar to Liverpool's Jamie Carragher

Sep 29 2010 by Mathew Kendrick, Birmingham Mail

CARLOS Cuellar has been dubbed Villa’s Jamie Carragher by Gerard Houllier, who admits he faces a welcome central defensive dilemma at Tottenham this weekend.

Cuellar was in such commanding form during the derby win at Wolves on Sunday that he reminded Houllier of his former Liverpool star Carragher.

Villa’s new manager was impressed by the Spanish defender’s bravery in putting his head where it hurt to keep Mick McCarthy’s men at bay in the 2-1 win at Molineux.

And with Richard Dunne set to be available after overcoming a knee problem, Houllier admits to having a nice selection headache at Spurs on Saturday.

“That headache I can take,” said Houllier. “A bad headache is when you’ve not got enough players.

“Carlos Cuellar looked strong and solid. He reminded me of Jamie Carragher. He goes for everything in the air – brave, that’s the word.”

Houllier is happy to play Cuellar in his natural position at the heart of Villa’s defence alongside James Collins.

But the new boss insists the former Rangers defender could still be used as a makeshift right-back if required.

“I haven’t seen him play at right-back, but if one day he has to play right-back he’ll play right-back,” said Houllier.

“The team reaches the level and wins things when a player understands that sometimes he has to play different positions. Sometimes he has to sacrifice himself for the rest of the team.”