"I'm delighted both deals have been signed," said Benitez at Melwood today. They are two very good players who will have a big part to play in our future here.
"We have a lot of good players here but it's always important to have local boys and in Stevie and Carra we have two players who have come from the Academy. I am really happy with everyone in my squad but to have these two players who have said they will be here for many years makes the situation a lot better.
"All through last season I spoke highly of Carragher because he has exactly the right attitude you need to win games.
"He loves this club and it's always important to have players with this kind of passion. As a manager you want as many players like Carra as possible.
"We need to keep working hard with him to make him improve even more. He can be even better this season. He's clever tactically but he can improve further.
"When you think of a leader in the team then you think of players like Carra. He helps improve the team spirit.
"Of course we're all pleased that Stevie's situation has been resolved. It was important to finish it as soon as possible and I am sure now that he will be extremely focused on the games.
"Now that he's signed his contract I am sure he will play better. Last season he played well but at times, like the team, he was a bit inconsistent. Now he can be focused on the football and not thinking about what's in the newspapers. He will play better, for sure.
"He's told me he wants to help the team, his team-mates, the manager and the club to win trophies. He wants to win trophies with us."