Skrtel has been approaching some of his best form since Christmas
Martin Skrtel – The big man has been on the receiving end of some criticism this season, a lot of it unwarranted, but there’s no doubting his improvement since the team reverted to a back three. In truth, despite his preference for ball-playing centre backs, Rodgers has always fallen back on Skrtel when he needs a reliable defender. He’s not had as prolific a season so far at the attacking end of the field but he has arguably been much more solid defensively since anytime during Rodgers’ reign. A few recent man of the match awards have gone a long way to showing Skrtel having a very good season. Rating – 7/10
Emre Can – It may appear odd to include Can amongst the defenders but, considering he’s played most of the season at centre back, it only makes sense. Oddly, it’s in his midfield displays this season that he’s looked least convincing (apart from when he’s pushed forward later in games), whilst at centre back he has looked calm, assured and classy as hell. He’ll certainly be moved into midfield as soon as circumstance allows but, at present, we’re looking at a central defender that’s been in good form this season. Rating – 7/10
Mamadou Sakho – For what felt like the longest time, this talented young French international couldn’t even oust Glen Johnson from centre back but when he was offered his chance, he took it with both hands. Together with Skrtel and Can, he helped bring a solidity and consistency to the team that we had not had since Rodgers joined the club. Will hopefully return to the side soon. Rating – 7/10
Dejan Lovren – His recent return to the team has seen the defender look much more composed, and you can see him growing in confidence with every game. Prior to that he’d been a nightmare-inducing £20 million fraud. Harsh, perhaps but when you pay £20 million, you expect much more than what Lovren initially offered. Since making a few recent substitute appearances though and getting a few starts he’s start to look much more impressive and deserves a bit more time. Rating 5.5/10
Kolo Toure – This season has seen a much more subdued Kolo, purely from the point of view that he’s not played a great deal. Kolo is a solid stand-in though, and despite a few lapses last season, if offered a new contract (as we’re led to believe) his trophy-winning experience can only be a big plus for Liverpool. Had a few more games since returning from the African Nations Cup and has looked solid and calm, without doing enough to earn a regular place. Rating 6/10
