Benitez said:"When he plays like he did against Deportivo La Coruna, Carragher is at the same level as a defender as any of those I worked with at Valencia."
"I knew about him before I came here because I had seen him play right back. That's a different role, of course, and I was told he also played a lot at left back," Benitez added.
The Liverpool manager also admitted that Carragher had slotted into the centre back role well, and commended his simple, aggressive style of play.
"I had heard he played very well at the end of last season as a central defender. He has more confidence in himself as a centre half now, he knows exactly what to do as a defender and that makes it easier for him to play so well. He's quick, good in the air and aggressive and he knows to keep the passes simple," Benitez said.