Liverpool’s defense is, in many regards, a mystery. With Jamie Carragher, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel running the show last season, things really should have gone better.
They’re playing in front of one of the Premier League’s best goal-keepers, Pepe Reina and yet none of them have really found any level of consistency. Mistakes, slip-ups and errors have become a regular part of all their games.
As a result, Liverpool have shipped goals in games they should have won. If the Reds are to improve next year, Brendan will have to make sure he gets his back-line in order.
One thing’s for sure: Liverpool need to take a look at Martin Skrtel’s current situation. He was dropped last season due to poor form, and the Slovakian centre-back didn’t take it too well. He then went onto say this about a potential move away from Anfield:
“I have not had any specific offers. But if some should come and they interest me, I would probably consider it seriously.” (Source: The Mirror).
Yikes. Fortunately, he had just signed a new deal with the Reds at the start of last season and Brendan Rodgers was in a position of power. This has been noted by his agent, Karol Csonto, who recently ruled out any possibility of his client moving to Serie A club Napoli:
“I like Napoli and I have great respect for this club, but Martin still has a three-year contract with Liverpool and the most likely outcome is that he remains there.” (Source: Another Mirror article).
I hope that this means that Skrtel has changed his mind. That the Slovakian stopper now views his long-term future as being with the Reds.
He’s been with Liverpool for a long time now and we all know what he can offer. The inconsistency we’ve seen this season, is not the norm. It was a result of a period of turbulence at Anfield.
With Jamie Carragher gone, Brendan Rodgers needs somebody else to step up and take charge. I view Martin Skrtel as the right man for the job.
What’s more, Skrtel has done enough to earn another shot. He’s good enough, he’s experienced and he’s committed. Who would bet against him coming good?
If Napoli do come knocking, I hope the Reds tell them where to go.
What’s your take? Is it time for Liverpool to cut ties with Martin Skrtel, or is he still a good fit for the club?
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The problem with Skrtel is that he plays att on side far to often, and not keeping a good def line, however I would still keep him for this season as back up