After enduring a miserable campaign last season, Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is in imperious form this year, and continues to set a great example to the club's young players with his superb 'can-do' attitude, and positive approach to overcoming adversity. The Slovakian almost jumped-ship last summer, and reports continue to link him with a summer move to Napoli. Is there a possibility that may happen? Skrtel's agent addressed that question this week, and provided an emphatic answer.
When asked this week about the possibility of a move to Napoli, Skrtel's agent told CalcioMercato:
"There is no chance of Skrtel going to Napoli [and] there is nothing to add about...his relationship with Rafa Benitez.
"What I can say is that Martin Skrtel will not go to Napoli. Skrtel will remain at Liverpool."
Zenit St. Petersburg have also been linked with a £16m move for Skrtel, and there will inevitably be interest in the Slovakian over the summer.
Despite his great form, Skrtel - described recently by Rodgers as 'exceptional' is basically in the shop window right now, and I wouldn't put it past the club to cash-in if presented with the opportunity to make a huge profit. After all, Skrtel may be having a great season, but he's shown in the past that things can go pear-shaped pretty quickly.
Skrtel considered leaving last summer, and speaking to the Independent, recently, he conceded that last season 'wasn't the best' for him, and admitted that he 'made a few mistakes and cost us some points'. He further added:
"I would be lying if I didn't say I was thinking [about leaving]. After the six years I spent here it was not easy to say 'OK, I'm leaving'. I decided to stay and fight for my place, and it is working"
Despite his great form, Daniel Agger still seems to be the more popular of the two. I recently conducted a survey on the site asking fans to choose who they'd prefer to see sold:
- 11250 visitors (approx) voted.
- 68% of participants voted for Skrtel to be sold.
- Only 32% voted for Agger.
That's an emphatic result, yet hardly surprising given Agger's enduring popularity amongst Liverpool fans. I personally disagree with the outcome of the poll, however. I voted for Agger to be sold, and did so for the following reasons:
* Skrtel is strong and robust, and like Luis Suarez, he rarely gets injured.
* Agger is always injured, and the next big injury could be a career-killer.
* LFC now have Sakho to fill the left-sided centre-half role.
* Skrtel is in superb form, whereas Agger has continued to make costly mistakes.
Is it a case that Skrtel is just going through a sustained period of good form, or has he actually improved and progressed, to the extent he is now a better all-round player than in the past? Whatever the answer, I personally want him to stay. Good centre-halves are hard to find these days, and right now, the Slovakian is one of the best and most consistent defenders out there.
Author: Jaimie K
When asked this week about the possibility of a move to Napoli, Skrtel's agent told CalcioMercato:
"There is no chance of Skrtel going to Napoli [and] there is nothing to add about...his relationship with Rafa Benitez.
"What I can say is that Martin Skrtel will not go to Napoli. Skrtel will remain at Liverpool."
Zenit St. Petersburg have also been linked with a £16m move for Skrtel, and there will inevitably be interest in the Slovakian over the summer.
Despite his great form, Skrtel - described recently by Rodgers as 'exceptional' is basically in the shop window right now, and I wouldn't put it past the club to cash-in if presented with the opportunity to make a huge profit. After all, Skrtel may be having a great season, but he's shown in the past that things can go pear-shaped pretty quickly.
Skrtel considered leaving last summer, and speaking to the Independent, recently, he conceded that last season 'wasn't the best' for him, and admitted that he 'made a few mistakes and cost us some points'. He further added:
"I would be lying if I didn't say I was thinking [about leaving]. After the six years I spent here it was not easy to say 'OK, I'm leaving'. I decided to stay and fight for my place, and it is working"
Despite his great form, Daniel Agger still seems to be the more popular of the two. I recently conducted a survey on the site asking fans to choose who they'd prefer to see sold:
- 11250 visitors (approx) voted.
- 68% of participants voted for Skrtel to be sold.
- Only 32% voted for Agger.
That's an emphatic result, yet hardly surprising given Agger's enduring popularity amongst Liverpool fans. I personally disagree with the outcome of the poll, however. I voted for Agger to be sold, and did so for the following reasons:
* Skrtel is strong and robust, and like Luis Suarez, he rarely gets injured.
* Agger is always injured, and the next big injury could be a career-killer.
* LFC now have Sakho to fill the left-sided centre-half role.
* Skrtel is in superb form, whereas Agger has continued to make costly mistakes.
Is it a case that Skrtel is just going through a sustained period of good form, or has he actually improved and progressed, to the extent he is now a better all-round player than in the past? Whatever the answer, I personally want him to stay. Good centre-halves are hard to find these days, and right now, the Slovakian is one of the best and most consistent defenders out there.
Author: Jaimie K
I was one of those who voted for Skrtel to be sold.
ReplyDeleteNow I want his name the first in team sheet.
Will be happy to keep them both, as well as Sakho and even Touré. In addition we have some great potential in Ilori, Wisdom and Kelly, though question marks on his injury proneness. Left back needs shoring up for me.
ReplyDeleteHappy with Flanno (RedCafu) as a squad player and Enrique is good enough, if he was ever fit. We need top quality dependable attacking left wing back to suit Rodgers' style.
Doubt we will sell both but can see either Skrtel or Agger being moved on.
ReplyDeleteI was one of those who woted for Skrtel to be sold. Now I want him to be the first player we sell. Fair enough he's had a couple of good games this season but in the majority of our games he's been an utter and complete liability which makes our position at the summit even more impressive.
ReplyDeletePathetic and outright provocative article that shows the author doesn't know how to separate between a decent individual and an individual that can organise and lead a defensive unit. What's next? Lucas is our bestest midfielder ever, Henderson! Only King Kenny is better!.
skrtel is a surprise package this year along with flanagan....no chance napoli
ReplyDeleteKeep them both. Awesome players!
ReplyDeleteThe problem with Skrtel is that he requires a vocal leader alongside him to perform better (especially if he is not in form). He acts on what he is told by his partner. The problem is Agger is not that guy (probably the reason we have nightmares when those 2 play together). Toure (How psyched where we after his first 2 games) was brought in specifically for that reason to replace Carra (Now there's a leader in defense; but he learnt from the best, Hyppia). Sakho has the potential to be a leader but he is not at present (needs to learn English I guess). Of the two, on current form, it is best to sell Agger who offers nothing when out of form.
ReplyDeleteAgree add to that Skrtel likely to give away a pen and score own goals and Agger now lacking a bit of pace. Would be happy to sell one and keep the other (don't much care which) but only as back up and buy or develop another CB alongside Sakho for the future.
ReplyDeleteThe CB that has impressed me most over the last two seasons is Steven Caulker. He is only 22 and is just getting better and better.
ReplyDeleteAgger has always been an elegant footballer but shoddy defender and the way in which Agger got blown out for pace the other night was REMARKABLE. The lad gave him a five yard head start and still reached the ball with a cigar on. If either of Skrtel or Agger had to go I'd go with Agger. Although deep down I want them both gone.
ReplyDeleteon another note Iago Aspas has picked a fine time to display his selfish streak. 6 games to the 'impossible' and he's kicking up a stink, he could have waited..................
ReplyDeleteI agree, good article. Of the two I'd prefer we sold agger for the reasons you've outlined. That being said it is not inconceivable that we'd sell both if we got amazing offers. Not suggesting we do sell both but I could see it potentially happening.
ReplyDeleteI think Sakho can fill that leader at the back role for us in the coming years, though you're right he does need to learn the language. He captained PSG for the first time as a 17 year old, and that doesn't happen without leadership qualities. Hopefully he picks up the language quickly and stays fit. I know he's not playing right now because Agger and Skrtel are doing well and it's tough to change a winning team, but if I was BR I'd bring him in right away if he's back to full fitness...the dude is a beast out there.
ReplyDeleteI must have missed that poll as I would have voted the same as Jaimie for the same reasons. Add to it the fact that Skrtel looks so much more comfortable on the ball these days and Sakho is too that means we have two players who are big strong, good in the air and are looking comfortable on the ball too. Both are quicker than Agger too. Agger has found his form drop and that could be due to injury, but we know Agger will get injured again, so will form drop too? In a perfect world Agger would remain but I am sure he will want to play and we can do without chopping and changing our defence too often. With head instead of heart I vote (if that is the choice) that Agger would be sold over Skrtel.
ReplyDeleteI broadly agree, but if possible I'd like to see us buy one top class centre half and then sell Agger leaving us with Skrtel, Sakho and a new guy as established players vying for 2 spots and have Illori and Wisdom backing up.
ReplyDeleteWhy would we sell one of our best players? He is at least a solid backup if we upgrade this summer. And with CL fixtures next season selling him would be kind of idiotic
ReplyDeleteCan't see skrtel being sold after the season he's had. If one has to go it'll probably be agger
ReplyDeleteOne thing I would agree with you on is, Stick with the program.
ReplyDeleteWhere would we be without Skirts this season, my guess would be 6th or 7th.
Most of the 68% were probably MANU or Chelski fans hoping they could effect Skrtel's departure. Agger isn't having a great year...Sunday he better be careful because AC will want some revenge and our CBs can expect a ton of crosses to the human fence post.
ReplyDeleteI think that selling any of our current center backs would be a mistake. But the one with the highest value right now has to be Skrtel. As a result, if any of the top three (Sktrel, Agger, Sakho) is sold, I expect it to be Skrtel... and for no less than 15m.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, as much as I love Agger, the Skirts has been the much better defender this season. Agger has shown he has no pace and IMO is an accident waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteThat being said Skrtel needs to stop the constant f@#king shirt pulling! It is just a matter of time until he gives away a penalty at a crucial time and costs us a game (hopefully not in the next six games!!!)
Agger probably is the one in the shop window. Doesn't matter what polls say is obviously surplus to requirement. Cash in I say. Barca aren't allowed to buy him now maybe Rafa might be interested in Agger. Skrtel is our star defensive turn this season it would be nuts to sell him. He's even chipping in with important goals. BR seems to be able to get the best out of certain players and Skrtel is one of those IMO
ReplyDeleteI think you need to look at what the reasoning behind people preferring to sell Skrtel was too. Personally I don't think Agger could get us much of a return so if I had to sell one I would go with the one who leaves some money to replace him. Right now, I wouldn't sell either to be honest.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about the amount available in the kitty for the squad strengthening ahead of next seasons C.L. but even with sales it may not be what we need.
ReplyDeleteMy suspicion is the less sound players physically may be moved on to improve the squad depth all round as a part of it the likes of Agger Lucas and Enrique may be getting the flick.
sakho wont replace agger, sakho is terrible with a ball at his feet, hes strong and great in the air and can make decent slide tackles, but i sweat each time he is on the ball, agger and skrtel are the best centre back pairing,. Of the top of my head the games in which agger does play we conceed less. agger and skrtel know each other and know football. Plus agger is die hard liverpool
ReplyDelete