The return of Daniel Agger really couldn’t have come at a better time. After the 1-1 draw with Norwich, much was made about Liverpool’s difficulty keeping clean sheets at Anfield this season, and the need for a new top class centre back was one of the hot topics on the post-match radio phone ins.

I’m well aware that Daniel Agger’s injuries have affected his form over the last couple of years but I have never doubted the ability of the Dane, who actually started off this season in good form. When he returns to full fitness and gains a bit of form I can see him eventually being our main man in defence. I have nothing against Martin Skrtel but he is prone to the odd mistake every now and then and would most likely be the man to make way for Agger when he returns to full fitness.

On the other hand, the win over West Brom at the weekend showed that the Agger-Skrtel partnership has some serious potential, with both putting in solid performances to earn Liverpool a clean sheet. With Jamie Carragher’s form being patchy so far this season, some have questioned his place in the starting line up, preferring to see the younger partnership of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger instead. For me, Carragher’s organisational skills make him my preferred partner for Daniel Agger at centre back for the time being at least. As good as Skrtel and Agger are, none of them are as vocal as Carragher and the defence seems to lack a bit of organisation whenever the vice captain isn’t playing.

If you look at many of the top teams, they all seem to possess at least one central defender with excellent ball playing skills, which has become more fashionable in the modern game. Daniel Agger is one of these defenders and no one should ever underestimate how important it is to have players who can keep a calm head while under pressure and pick the right pass. Having Agger in the team on a regular basis will no doubt have a positive effect on our defensive record, and one bonus is that the promising Danny Wilson (who has at times been likened to Agger) will be able to learn from the Dane.

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5 responses to “The key to Liverpool’s defence and it is not Jamie Carragher”

  1. ArmchairLFCfan says:

    If LFC is still looking for a good and reliable defender, Dejan Lovren should be one of them.

  2. Ashfah says:

    Jamie has to realise that he evuntually retire from the scene one day and Liverpool shoild have a workable succession planning. Agger, Skrtel and Coates would be able replacements.

  3. Word says:

    The fashionable trend is to have two central defenders with good/great/excellent ball playing skills. What I like about Skrtel and Agger is both can bring the ball up. Skrtel can score on headers. Lately, I have seen him provide excellent crosses into the box as well. He has improved tremendously over the past year. He definitely has worked on his game. I rate Skrtel as average on ball skills, but improving a lot. Agger of course can score from 25 yards out and on headers. He is excellent on the ball. Wilson looks timid. I can’t judge him by the way he looks. Potentially, I can see him in the Agger mold. He needs to be loaned out to a championship squad and get playing time. I would love to see him put on about 15 pounds of muscle. He is neither physically imposing nor intimidating, but he is young and that will come. Coates is also young and learning the English game. Seeing him play for Uruguay, he has the attributes to be very good. Reminds me of Pique.

  4. Vipakindele says:

    Our youth development is being slow down.The likes of wison,robinson should have been sent on loan.Develoment of shelvey helpe instead of signing Hondo.

  5. william says:

    Liverpool is extremely underperforming especially at home against small clubs these not good for that European Football next season.

    I think Kenny and the boys can’t do better.Pull up your socks. Sunderland, Norwich and now Swansea please gave me a break 3 points out of a possible 9 not good enough i would say.

    Chelsea twice and Man City are coming up how are we going to handle them if we’re struggling with some of these minor teams.

    Millions where spend in the summer please produce or part ways with Liverpool.

    We known Kenny is a legend but can’t make the difference between good players and average players eg. Glen Johnson can’t be better than Martin Kelly.

    He wanted British talent who are playing below par. Aquilani better than Adam but you loan him out because he is not British.

    Adam hero at Blackpool zero at Liverpool. Man United have already broke our record and we’re sliding down the table rather than climbing up the ladder. Gerrard’s days are also numbered need a suitable replacement.

    We’ll regret those draws come the end of the season.

    Out of Africa