---
title: "Cafu: Flanagan can be one of world’s best full-backs"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/cafu-flanagan-can-one-worlds-best-full-backs/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ben Smith"
section: "Articles"
published: "2015-10-07T10:34:30Z"
modified: "2015-10-07T10:34:30Z"
---

# Cafu: Flanagan can be one of world’s best full-backs

Former Brazil defender Cafu has [yet again lauded](https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/195301-cafu-heaps-praise-on-flanagan-again) the currently-injured Jon Flanagan, and even suggested that the Liverpool man can become one of the leading full-backs in world football.

Flanagan was a surprise pick in the Liverpool side when they visited Arsenal on November 2, 2013, but the youngster impressed despite a 2-0 and kept his place in the team as the Reds mounted a serious title challenge.

Cafu was particularly impressed with Flanagan during Liverpool’s incredible run towards the back end of the campaign, and tweeted as such.

> Good to see the RedCafu is playing well! Liverpool amazing to watch!
>
> — Cafu. (@officialcafu) [March 30, 2014](https://twitter.com/officialcafu/status/450307723662741504)

On the final day of the season, when the Reds beat Newcastle United 2-1 but lost out on the Premier League trophy as Manchester City beat West Ham United, Cafu and Flanagan met each other on Merseyside.

> Me and the legend Cafu [pic.twitter.com/wyKASxybiC](https://t.co/wyKASxybiC)
>
> — jon flanagan (@jon\_flan93) [May 10, 2014](https://twitter.com/jon_flan93/status/465215608465133568)

“I paid him a visit not long ago,” Cafu told FourFourTwo magazine.

> We had lunch and took some pictures together. He is very fit and has everything required to be one of the best full-backs in the world.

The 45-year-old also mentioned some other Premier League greats that he has admiration for – one of which is a Liverpool legend.

He said: “The English players that I like the most are those from my generation. I am a big fan of Frank Lampard – his movement is so elegant. Steven Gerrard is also a great example of character, for me.”

Cafu won two World Cups, two Champions Leagues and two Serie A titles in his decorated career, but admitted he would have relished playing in England:

“I would have loved to play for Liverpool, Manchester United or Chelsea.”