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Recent underrated Liverpool players – Day 3

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The big man's no-nonsense style has won him many admirers but many still underrate Skrtel

The big man’s no-nonsense style has won him many admirers but many still underrate Skrtel

Martin Skrtel – Much like Lucas, particularly in the past two seasons, Skrtel’s value to the team has only really become apparent when he wasn’t available.

Some have attempted to poo-pah the big Slovakian’s contributions to the side by pointing out that ‘all he does’ is head, kick and tackle everything that comes near him. The funny thing is, since time began, that’s been the whole point of defending.

Sure, Skrtel may not bring some of the more fashionable elements of the ‘modern’ centre back to the table; the high pass-completion rate (he only passes side-ways and backwards, apparently), the ability to bring the ball forward from defence, and so on but he contributes where it matters: in defending.

A veteran of over 285 games for the Reds, the 30 year old has spent almost a decade at Anfield and rarely gets any real credit. If he’s the best defender on the pitch, it’s usually because he’s sandwiched in between the fan-favourites Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho (formally, see Daniel Agger, Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia) and if the defence looks shot to pieces, he’ll often bear the brunt of the blame.

Although, in truth, that has changed this season, as it’s become clear that, while Skrtel’s forward game may be limited in comparison to some of his team mates, his defensive game is second to none in the current squad. If we’re honest, Skrtel is currently one of the best defensive centre backs in the Premier League, and has been for some time.

Did we also mention he’s not shy in front of goal, either? To date, he’s scored 17 in his career, with 14 of those coming in the past 4 seasons. Not prolific for a centre backs, by any means, but he’s been the most regular contributor at the opposite end of the field from Liverpool’s defensive contingent since Sami Hyypia was in his heigh-day.

Skrtel will never be considered a great, or a legend, unless he sticks about this summer and something drastic happens. But he is certainly one of the most underrated recent players at this club, and that’s quite a sad fact, as he deserves far more credit than he’ll ever receive.

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I'm a 32 year old Liverpool fan, living in the heart of the City Centre. I've supported the club since the day I was born and have been writing articles for L4L for over 3 years, writing close over 350 articles in that time. My favorite player of the past generation is Sami Hyypia.

I am the current editor for L4L, with my day job being in R&D for the NHS.

1 comment

  • pino pino says:

    Br out pls.Lfc is not a learning institution for novice managers.Go to swansea like Monk and finish ur learning Asap.

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