After enduring a miserable time at Anfield last year, Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is arguably having the best season of his LFC career, and his two goals against Ar5ena1 yesterday just underline once again his continued importance to the team. Last summer, it seemed very likely that Skrtel would leave, but after his resurrection this year, it's conceivable he could end up staying for a few more years, something that Slovakian never believed would happen.
Speaking to the official Liverpool FC website this week, Skrtel enthused about how 'happy and proud' he is to be at Liverpool, but added:
"It wasn't easy for me at the beginning [and] I never thought I would stay here for six years. We will see how many more years I am at the club but I hope it's going to be for a long period".
For me, watching Skrtel's resurgence continues to be one of the joys of the season. I've been critical of the Slovakian in the past for his costly lapses in concentration, and after suffering the the humiliation of being dumped from the team for Jamie Carragher last season, he looked dead and buried at Liverpool.
Instead of sulking, however, Skrtel knuckled down, worked hard, showed great resolve, mental strength/character, and fought his way back into the team. It's a great story, and I love to see things like that. Dietmar Hamann in similarly impressed with Skrtel, and in a recent column for 5-Times, the Kaiser enthused:
"Martin Skrtel deserves massive credit. I am a big fan of his and he had a hard time last season but you have to appreciate the professionalism he showed. He brings stability in a back four that has chopped and changed this season, I think he’s a tremendous asset for Liverpool".
In October, multiple reports claimed that Zenit St. Petersburg planned to launch a £16m bid for Skrtel in January, or next summer, but his position at Anfield seems safe right now, and he clearly doesn't want to leave.
With his regular bouts of footballing genius, Luis Suarez is the obvious LFC player of the season, but for me, Skrtel also deserves that accolade. His passion and dedication to LFC shone like a beacon yesterday when he scored his two goals, and hopefully he'll be able to maintain this level of performance over the next few years.
Author: Jaimie K
Speaking to the official Liverpool FC website this week, Skrtel enthused about how 'happy and proud' he is to be at Liverpool, but added:
"It wasn't easy for me at the beginning [and] I never thought I would stay here for six years. We will see how many more years I am at the club but I hope it's going to be for a long period".
For me, watching Skrtel's resurgence continues to be one of the joys of the season. I've been critical of the Slovakian in the past for his costly lapses in concentration, and after suffering the the humiliation of being dumped from the team for Jamie Carragher last season, he looked dead and buried at Liverpool.
Instead of sulking, however, Skrtel knuckled down, worked hard, showed great resolve, mental strength/character, and fought his way back into the team. It's a great story, and I love to see things like that. Dietmar Hamann in similarly impressed with Skrtel, and in a recent column for 5-Times, the Kaiser enthused:
"Martin Skrtel deserves massive credit. I am a big fan of his and he had a hard time last season but you have to appreciate the professionalism he showed. He brings stability in a back four that has chopped and changed this season, I think he’s a tremendous asset for Liverpool".
In October, multiple reports claimed that Zenit St. Petersburg planned to launch a £16m bid for Skrtel in January, or next summer, but his position at Anfield seems safe right now, and he clearly doesn't want to leave.
With his regular bouts of footballing genius, Luis Suarez is the obvious LFC player of the season, but for me, Skrtel also deserves that accolade. His passion and dedication to LFC shone like a beacon yesterday when he scored his two goals, and hopefully he'll be able to maintain this level of performance over the next few years.
Author: Jaimie K
"Sell or keep...?" Why is this even a question!?
ReplyDelete5rkte1 is certainly gaining confidence ...
ReplyDeleteOzil is world class perhaps jaded due to the pace of the EPL! Ozil is more accomplished than Coutinho, who still needs to polish up his finishing but has fantastic potential!
ReplyDeleteLooking more comfortable on the ball too. Arsenal were not looking to press him too much but he did bring it out well a couple of times.
ReplyDeleteyou have to remember we see a very limited view. maturity is a huge role in youth players and we don't see that like the coaches do. br has done well with his youth and bleeding them at the right time. be patient, the talent is there.
ReplyDeleteDeffo improvement over last couple of games re self discipline - had to stop the shirt pulling or it would have cost us . Showed bravery going for and getting the header minus the protector he had on in previous two games . Respect !
ReplyDeleteF*** off you c***. Don't even care that I basically broke a rule on this website. Someone needed to say it.
ReplyDeleteYou're a c***.
You sound like a real thug, nothing new in breaking rules, thats why you will always be a lily liveried. You would not last 5 mins in the real SAS, I would love to see you for a chat. Hide behind your key board and write obscenities.
ReplyDeletereal sas????? that you honour is why 24 hour drinking licences should be banned!
ReplyDelete*your*
ReplyDeleteYour famous for that in liverpool, the only trouble in the Northbank, highbury, mwas when your supporters arrived, most of them, were not aware of the result until they returned to the ghetto. Manchester is much classier and civilised, good people.
ReplyDeleteI though he was hard done to last season, seemed to be blamed for all our defensive frailties, got replaced by Carra and things did'nt get much better. Now it's a case of who will be his partner Agger or Sakho?
ReplyDeleteYeah and I bet you wouldn't last 5 mins in Liverpool if you talked about Heysel in that way to any Liverpudlian; Liverpool fan or Evertonian, to their face. And you had the hide to call me a keyboard warrior. Ha.
ReplyDeleteIf you're going to start calling Liverpool fans murderers to get the upper hand in otherwise normal football banter, anyone has the right to call you a c***, and have doubts about your credibility to call ME a keyboard warrior.
I must say, I'm not his biggest fan, but his position as our number one centre-back this season is beyond argument.
ReplyDeleteI still think that perhaps we will need an even better centre-back to compete for the title and do well in Europe (if we get back into the Promised Land) but that is easier said than done because he has been formidable for the majority of this season.
A great testament to his character how he has turned it around. Here's hoping Sakho can come back and establish himself alongside him.
Shanks once said " some people think football is a matter of life and death, but we know it's much much more than that" The great man was wrong and i know he was being hypothetical,for there is no greater lose than a loved one,we share the shame of heysel, we feel the pain of hillsborough and the truth sets us free! YNWA
ReplyDeletei think your incorrect in the assertion that suarez didnt influence the games against city and chelsea. he set up one goal, and also set up the disallowed sterling goal. Further was denied a free kick just outside the box and a penalty. Against chelsea though he was quieter he had 2 stonewall penalties overlooked.
ReplyDeleteOzil was quiet yesterday but that was more to do with the liverpool performance. One thing i would suggest is that our performances happen because we are able to play the pressing game as relatively speaking our pitch is smaller than city, united and arsenal.
Owen is prone to hyperbole to make up for his monotonous tone. Fortunately for him the quality of the game meant people forget some of his howlers ... including "gerard loves tackle"!
Don't see Johnson as a real positive addition out wide. I would leave room for Ibe who I just think will be super........Selling Aspas, Alberto, Allen and Agger in the offseason will provide funds to add quality and depth....
ReplyDeleteI would like a breakdown of who he scored against. Is he feasting on bottom feeders? I don't want to belittle his accomplishments, but we need speed out there and we have it now. Seems to me we need someone more like RS so when he is in we don't have to have the rest adjust.
ReplyDeleteBoth him and vidic came to the premiere league around the same time. The performance and goals on Saturday had that feel of a leader from the backbone of the team which liverpool have missed since Hypia left the club in 09. Vidic has been the better player over the 6/7 years but maybe Skrtel's time is now to blossom into one of the leaders required in a spine to create a potential premiere league winning team.
ReplyDeletewould prefer Assaidi to Borini to be honest.
ReplyDeleteNice one Jaimie. Totally agree with this one Skrtel has been the model professional in what must of been a difficult time being sidelined for Carra last season but also not knowing whether his career at LFC was safe. This season Skrtel seems to be in his 5th element at times, using his 5 senses to sniff out potential threats while scoring 4 goals this season seeking his 5th. Anyway, does anyone know what the score was against Arsenal on the weekend?
ReplyDeletelol another 5-1 reference...love it
ReplyDeleteHis constant tugging in the box on set pieces has me worried it'll bite LFC at the worst possible time. Much improved though overall, can't deny that.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right. Suarez influences games even with his mere presence. Ozil is world class but the pace of the EPL is not easy to adapt for any European players coming in where players are closed down quicker and its more physical. Ozil does not have the luxury of holding to the ball like he does in the Spanish league.
ReplyDeleteBut his performance is down to Liverpool's tactics that did not allow Arsenal's midfielders like Ozil to play. Credit must go to the Liverpool players especially Henderson who was constantly harassing people like Ozil.
lol don't compare Ozil and Suarez. You can see clearly that Suarez is a striker, NOT a playmaker. Usually midfielders or playmaker have a bigger role on influence the game, they control the game and dominate the midfield..not the striker!..and also coutinho is still learning, not yet consider a world class. So dont compare Ozil with them though. If u can see Ozil has been through any games uefa, champion league, national and world cup. so i agree with Owen comments :D
ReplyDeletePro lfc bias? If ppl dont agree with your point u cant just dash it off as bias. Come on mate. Also think about how many times coutinho puts in key "assists" only for them not to be finished, those stats go unnoticed
ReplyDeleteOwen noted at the time that he didn't have the same criticism of Coutinho. TBH most of what comes out of his mouth seems pointless to me, I find him really boring to listen to and at times he just bangs on about one or two issues the whole match. I'm not really sure what he's talking about with regards to Ozil.
ReplyDeleteim gonna go out in the books and say that suarez is the best player the prems seen since cr7. someone needed to say it but the man is a genius... look past his goalscoring and you'll see his ability to play a 40 yard pass outside of the foot through the air straight to the feet of a player he isnt even looking at (awareness/vision/playmaking ability mixed with pure flair and skill) his dribbling... nuff said he nutmegs 3 players a bloody game and dribbles around at least 2 everytime he gets the ball. most proficient dribbler in the league. hazard is up there too.. his ability to strike from the dead ball. (pin point, power, curve) laters goalkeeper... his ability to make perfect runs and slip into brilliant goalscoring positions... you get all this and then you get one of the best pressing defensive efforts you will ever see a striker have. he knows where the ball is going before they do and sometimes dictates where it is going simply by his press.
ReplyDeleteso what do you get with suarez.. well practically it is an overall game added on with pure skill, determination and a hell of alot of effort. engine meets unimaginable skill... im a bias suarez supporter in a since i love him. not just that he plays for liverpool but the things he does in a football game makes me almost soil myself... with the determination, skill of that man and his multi-department abilities even the haters can't look past his otherworldly abilities. his showcases in the last two seasons are honestly getting to the point where it is ridiculous to disagree. and the fact that bale was rated better than suarez is absolutely ridiculous too.
There aren't that many centre backs out there legitimately better than Skrtel - You would have to pay over 20M, Sakho was close to that but is he better than Skrtel? Under Dalglish, Skrtel was player of the season but was hung out to dry and was made the scapegoat under Rodgers through his system in which players are still making errors (Mignolet and Toure).
ReplyDeleteAgree with you "angrybob"..Sooo funny when people compare Ozil(world class and have lots of experience) with coutinho(still learning and lack of experience) about influence the game lol..But still coutinho help his team mates ;)
ReplyDeletewas it 1?NO was it 2?no was it 3?no was it 4?no was it 5?yeeeessssssssssssss.we play like tht an not many teams can live with us.GO REDS
ReplyDeletemmm why did real madrid and ancelotti,get rid of him?because of poor attitude to his training,if your poor during training,more than likely your poor on game day.when was the last time you won a trophy?oh and how many titles have you won while were at it?now take your five goals and get back to worrying about arsenal.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure their respective clubs would agree with us selling Pastore, MVilla, Shaw and Pogba..
ReplyDeleteI agree to an extent. On the other hand, currently Borini brings us nothing and arguably he won't next year either because Suarez and Sturridge take a lot more to displace then he can offer. So he would be back as a squad player, played out of position on the wing. When you look at it that way, it makes much more sense to have Johnson in the squad than Borini or Aspas for that matter. One thing I definitely worry about is his lack of pace. Against Everton and Arsenal too, it was the speed of our forwards that really hurt them and having Johnson out on the wing slows the game down. And furthermore, it should only be seen as a reinforcement of our squad rather than an alternative to Konoplyanka because if that's the case, it's a definite no for me. If that's the case I prefer we just take the cash and invest it in another position.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Top attitude and we can only be thankful for it.
ReplyDeleteYou're a genius. How did you actually pick a thrashing?
ReplyDeleteTrue. Not for 40 million though.
ReplyDeleteArsenal are a team that needs to attack go get any result what so ever. They don't grind out 1-0 wins. Even when they get those, they do so in style. After the Everton game I was convinced that if we could manage to run at Arsenal the way we did against the toffees we could get past their defenders quite easily because that's definitely their weakest side imo. So seeing as Arsenal needs to play high up the pitch, that creates an opening between their midfield and their back four and with Ramsey and Flamini out, they had no one to close that. I have to be honest and say the 6-0 was a total stab in the dark but I reckon that if you can score two against Arsenal, you can score six because they just do not have the players to deal with their weakness once you've figured out how to exploit it. And once we have chances, we have the best two strikers in the league to take them. Although I didn't expect a 5krte1 or Sterling double to be honest :-)
ReplyDeleteThat's very true; they've been super prone to smashings over the years. Just think back to 8-2 and 6-3!
ReplyDeleteStill gonna win the title?
You might be right about the training but Ozil is still a fantastic player. You don't always see him during the game until he makes the killer pass. If he was so poor, why were the top Real Madrid players including Ronaldo complaining when he left, and why has he got so many German caps? Even when the Special One came to Arsenal, he wanted Ozil's shirt for his son. And he also stopped Demba Ba's loan deal to Arsenal, as he knew us singning Ozil, we would be a threat. with We had an off day at Anfield. We usually win there. If you are so great, when is the last time you won the Premier League? Also Arsenal qualified for various European cups six times, but we were not allowed to participate due to the English clubs being banned from Europe.
ReplyDeleteOzil is class. Arsenal are genuinely competing for the first time in years. It's only his first season so he will improve. Thierry Henry didn't do much in his first season either...
ReplyDeleteWe won 5-1 most of critics shut up...
ReplyDeleteIf we lost 1-5 then those "matafuker" bla bla bla sell him...
Is a really difficult to satisfy those " s-hole "
Im intentional to sniping those ppl, ban me if u wan...
in european terms, your not even as good as championship dwellers nottingham forest or pl relegation fodder, aston villa! in fact the mighty celtic of the moribund spfl, have won one final and lost one.........ar5ena1 are lightweight pups, who don't draw a single glance, when the great european clubs are being spoken about.
ReplyDeleteSuarez work rate and will to win set him apart from ozil. I can't ever remember watching a game where Suarez was anonymous. I've seen him get isolated but he's always prepared to run, go deep to collect the ball, whatever it takes to get involved in the game. Ozil has undoubtedly got quality in abundance, but only when he's in the mood and things are going his way. When they're not, he seems to develop a very surly attitude. Remember mertesaker berating him earlier this season for refusing to go over and acknowledge the arsenal fans?
ReplyDeleteAgreed, most midfielders with any kind if quality would rack up a few assists playing in that arsenal midfield
ReplyDeleteSkrtel's shirt pulling should've cost us at least 3 penalties this season if refs were always spot on
ReplyDeleteit's not shirt pulling, its 'wwe'. ok defenders do it now (god only knows why this has been allowed to come into the game), but skrtel is particularly noticeable.
ReplyDeleteNo thanks. Playing for a relegation battle & playing for CL/EPL battle needs different set of quality. Adam Johnson doesn't have it for a top side - he proved it at MC. He is going though his best patch, I don't think he adds anything better than what we already have.
ReplyDeleteIt's time for LFC to think big. Don't buy squad players, if we are to buy squad players, what's the point of maintaining such a big academy. I think we should by only very few players next year if we are in CL - if it's for forward line, it should be someone like D Costa or D Maria, if it's for AM - it should be from Drexler or Pastore, if it's for CM/DM - it should be from Pogba, Vidal or M'Villa & if it's for defense - it should be from Hummels, Bonnuchi, Aalaba or Conterao.
Sound's optimistic or arrogant, but this year we were bullied for not being in CL, next year it 'll not be case. If we are to spend 35mn, I am quite happy to spend it for 1 Pogba, or 1 Costa or 1 De Maria or 1 Vidal instead of 5/6 Aspas. Our first XI is one of the best in world, just need 2/3 plug-ins who 'll come straight into starting XI & push 2/3 average starters to bench, thus improving the depth.
After Man City dropped points at the weekend though, I'm an even firmer believer than I was before :-)
ReplyDeleteI think all the players just look defeated within the first 10 minutes. The only player who looked like he cared they were losing was Wilshire.
ReplyDeletewho's your tip for spots 1-5 then...
ReplyDeleteAre we going to melt Fulham tomorrow as well? I suspect we will. They've had a day less rest, and they ran like crazy yesterday whereas we were relatively chilling for much of the second half. United absolutely slaughtered them, as well. It could have been 20-2 on another day. So they're not going to be in peak condition. But the result will give them confidence no doubt and they have had some decent results at home, as well as some terrible ones. A draw's not out of the question, but neither's 6-0...
ReplyDeleteDo you think we can repeat it at the Emirates at the weekend ? interesting to see what BR 's policy is now re team selection and attitude to the FA Cup with things hotting up for the 4th spot. 3 games again this week ......
ReplyDeletelast thing we need is injuries to key players at this time !
Let's hope Fulham will be tired after their efforts at MU and we are not over confident after last w/e !
I don't think Ar5ena1 would have had such a good start without O5i1 so he has made a massive difference to their season. As with a lot of players new to EPL the good start usually tails off at Christmas but he hasn't suddenly lost the quality he had at the start. Comparing him with players that have bedded in to EPL is a bit unfair and I would certainly be happy to have him wearing the Liver bird on his chest. Not sure he would be guaranteed a starting place though.
ReplyDeleteGod, let's just send out the U21s!
ReplyDeleteAndy Carroll. That's all. Normally dont agree with Jamie as he is a United fan with a Liverpool website but this time I do. Spot on Jamie.
ReplyDeleteI actually left out a lot but some more examples, veron for utd and Chelsea. Shevshenko, berbatov etc etc the list goes on.
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of what you said but the wrestling in the box. He's not as bad as he was but he definitely still does it. However saying that if Stoke have been getting away with it over the last few years why shouldn't we? It's a contact sport after all ;)
ReplyDeleteI always thought Cissokho was a decent player. Ok, he is not the player to take us forward but he is a good back up player and IMO has done a good job filling in for Enrique. He is good at defending like you said but despite his end product being suspect, he does sometimes look like a threat going forwards.
Off topic but did anyone notice how Cissokko came and defended his younger team mate( coutinho or flannagan, i forgot) after he was fouled by an ar5ena1 player(also forgot who...haha)...You could see the latter backing off...lol...That was hilarious!
ReplyDeletejesus christ, I thought you wrote, 'are we going to melt against Fulham tommorow? I suspect we will'
ReplyDeleteAgree totally. Perhaps someone on the coaching side pointed out that he could just try headiing the ball........ in both penalty areas
ReplyDeleteMaking suarez already player of the year not right for me. We know hes been outstanding but so was hendo and sterling plus 13 games to go, and suarez hasnt been scoring much lately, just two goals in last seven I think which is poor, he must get back to scoring regularly on weds. Lucky agueros been out most of season maybe he would of overtaken him!r
ReplyDeleteNot tomorrow, its on wednesday!
ReplyDeleteSterling vs Wilshire
ReplyDelete1. LFC 2. Chelski 3. Citeh 4. Arsenal 5. Spurs
ReplyDeleteMan U are having a Liverpool like season so I'm pretty sure they'll end 7 behind the toffees
You obviously go to Blackpool on holiday. Everyone in Europe knows and respects The Arsenal even the Liverpool board have turn the Arsenal many times for support and advice. Liverpool hardly ever get into Europe, as they have not been good enough. I would not swap our 10 first Division titles and 3 premier league title 1 Not4s forest European Cup, Liverpo8l have never won the Premier league. I would all Liverpool supporters to get carried away with the recent victory, as it may prove to be a false dawn. COYG
ReplyDeleteIf you pull at least the 1st. spot prediction off...then I've seen it all
ReplyDeleteIf we finish top 4 and Cissoko plays most of the games, its a successful loan.
ReplyDeleteHehe well I'm bound to be very wrong about this one but I doubt it will be a roasting. Away from home we're more likely to take the foot off the gass if we get a comfortable lead so I reckon 2-0 to us.
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Yes I couldn't agree more! YNWA
ReplyDeleteI really hope so. I think the game against Arsenal will be tighter but I still expect a win against both. I was thinking BR may change the team for Fulhum using Allen and Moses with the 5IVE games, sorry 3 games in a row..but then again maybe he'll surprise me and keep it as it is!...
ReplyDeleteDo you think that could be a little unfair?...
ReplyDeleteI think the difference is very subtle..there have always been world class players like Ozil who are usually so skilled that they seem languid! In fact if I have to point out lazy defense as far as Arsenal are concerned it would have to be Carzola...invariably fails to chase balls once he has lost out! Arsenal are being shown up by the lack of pace in the centre from the DMs...as it only makes Mertesacker come off looking bad!
ReplyDeleteCoutinho is slowly beginning to influence games and make his quality create a significant impact...in a year or two he will definitely be in the same books as an Xavi or a even take on the mantle from Steven G
Oh balls, and I'd booked the night off.
ReplyDeleteTrue, we should give Arsenal a chance I guess.
ReplyDeleteRight, I'm off down the bookies. My son's Eton fees are on you if it doesn't come off ;)
ReplyDeleteBe interesting to see how Fulham play it ... think they will park the bus n hope to smash n grab - worked against MU ! Their keeper was pretty useful too .... be a different game than against the arse that s for sure .
ReplyDeleteWilshere wasn't actually upset about losing... he was just going through withdrawal from the cigarettes.
ReplyDeleteSAFC fan.. I come in peace..
ReplyDeleteI don't think either will cut the mustard at Liverpool tbh.
AJ has hit some form but by and large he's been pretty crap since he signed for us. He drifts in and out of games too much for me and always looks like he's running in treacle after 10 mins.
Borini looks promising but he'll always be that 10 goals a season max sort of player in my opinion. He'll find his place at a mid table club but I doubt very much he'll ever be classed as a top striker.
Both decent players but I think Liverpool are setting their sights higher these days.. if they're not then they should be.
he has talent,thats not in dispute,but theres a reason he was let go by real madrid,i think he wouldve prefered to stay.what i mean by poor is not his ability,but if you dont train hard,eventually it will show on game day.As far as liverpool being great,We are the team with the greatest worldwide appeal of any in world football,,would arsenal attract 95000 people to a friendly,in a country where football is not the NO1 sport,NOOOOOO.I think it was not an off day,but you were smashed by a side with hunger and ability,and we can do that to anybody,and will as the players get more experience and belief.Liverpool was the benchmark of the competition ,and though we have had a few lean years,we will be again.I think if we get into the top4 this season and the champions league,it will enable us to attract the best players,added to what we already have and a manager who is a huge asset ,we will be back where we belong winning the premiership.Look out here we come.hahahaha!
ReplyDeletewhere on your badge or in fact anywhere, is it 'the' arsenal? woolwich is nearer the true title. south london's top team again.
ReplyDeleteEveryone knows in London our friends The Millwall are south Londons top team. In Liverpool every one knows that most real Liverpudlians follow Everton.
ReplyDelete'the' millwall, 'the' ar5ena1, hahahahahahahaha!! 'ello marewy poppins, wiv a lille bit of bloomin' lack.....'the' woolwich ar5ena1 got their boat, well and truly slapped......what's the betting you actually reside in the shires!? it would be interesting to know (not that you would be big enough to admit) where you true nearest club, is to your location of residence.
ReplyDelete