In any case, the reasons for Skrtel’s poor early season form in my eyes is that he both lacked a consistent partner, and he was partnered with a fellow centre back who didn’t compliment his style of play. To address the first issue; Skrtel has played with Jamie Carragher, Soto Kyrgiakos and Daniel Agger at centre half at various stages this season, and although he has played frequently with all three, a long run with the same partner is essential for an understanding to really get set in stone. The second issue is to do with his partnership with Kyrgiakos. In my opinion, his partnership with the Greek, is the worst one we possess at the club. Not only do both players have pretty slow top speeds, they both favour an aerial battle rather than to be challenged to tackle on the floor. In addition it must be said that both players could be classed as non-nonsense defenders who clear the ball first and foremost, rather than playing the ball out from the back.
Skrtel is a player who plays best with a different style of defender playing beside him, or at least somebody who is good at organising the backline. It is notable that the Reds went through a period under Kenny Dalglish not conceding a goal when Skrtel was paired with Daniel Agger. A footballing centre half in Agger combining well with the uncompromising style of Skrtel. The partnership with Carragher is less ideal as the team tends to play deeper, and both tend not pass out from the back, but at least the partnership of Carragher and Skrtel has a semblance of organisation. In any case, well done to Skrtel’s on his achievement of playing every league game this season, and hopefully he can continue his good form for many years to come.
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Skrtel is a good defender no question about that but he’s definitely not as good as Danny. Totally agree that the Greek and Skrtel as a pair are awful lol their display at Blackburn earlier on in the season was so bad it was I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry! The big Greek will be going in the summer, a shame really because he always gives it his all and had a bit of character about him!!!!!
YNWA
I agree, he’s a very good defender and a decent footballer; there’s a lot more to come from him. Sadly, too many Reds fans didn’t take to him immediately due to him having a similar style to Carragher and believing he was a replacement, so they’ve never been able to to take to him since.
I think Skrtel is easily a better defender than Agger but lacks the Dane’s ability with the ball, that’s why they’re such a good partnership; they encapsulate all of Sami Hyypia’s strong points in two players.
Long may his good form and good fortune continue.
If Skrtel really is so much a better defender than Agger, why does he always hand over the more difficult defensive assignment to our ‘cultured centre-back’ when they are paired together?? Skrtel is an average centre-back as far as I’m concerned, and the sooner that he is moved on, the better!
one day.. i like to see..
……skertel..cahill..agger…….
lennon………spearing…..downing
…….gerrard……..lucas……..
………suarez…caroll………..
Skrtel was good when he first played for LFC but this season and the end of last, he was pretty poor. I think it’s time to drop him to the bench as a back-up or sell him; promote Wilson and Ayala; and move Kelly back to his favoured role as a centre half.