Topic: Agger on Skrtel CB rivalry (Read 4974 times)

DaveCharlie · « **on:** July 7, 2009, 09:27:25 AM »

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drilldown/N164959090707-0847.htm

AGGER: MY RESPECT FOR MARTIN
Jimmy Rice 07 July 2009

Daniel Agger admits he has a fight on his hands to play regular first-team football at Liverpool next season.

The Dane agreed a new deal earlier in the summer despite having to settle for 26 senior appearances last term.

Agger knows he will have to be on top form to increase this number in 2009-10, with Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel proving to be one of the Barclays Premier League's meanest partnerships over the last 12 months.

Despite the rivalry, Agger is a keen admirer of Skrtel - and admits he was shocked at how good the Slovakian was after arriving from the Russian Premier League 18 months ago.

"Martin is a top, top player. I was surprised when he came just how good he was," Agger told LFC Magazine.

"I have to be honest and say I don't know much about the Russian Premier League, so I did not really know what to expect when Martin came to the club.

"But he's a really good player and, just as importantly, he's a really good guy to have in the dressing room too. He's a guy who's good to talk to away from the pitch and who I admire a lot because of the way he plays on it.

"If you play all the time, if you get the chance to play week in, week out, then you must be a good player.

"I don't care if Martin and I are rivals for a starting place, he's still a friend of mine and I'll still tell the world how highly I rate him.

"He's an excellent defender and will keep getting better.

"We are competing with each other, maybe, to play in the team but it's not a rivalry. Both of us play and train to the best of our ability and then the manager makes the decision."

Also, the official site is doing a poll on the first choice CB pairing - For me this season at least its Carra and Agger, but incredibly the poll is currently favouring leaving out Carra. What do y'all think?

.tv Results So Far:
Agger and Skrtel           42%
Carragher and Skrtel      28%
Carragher and Agger      27%

gollne · « **Reply #1 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:36:24 AM »

I think people are starting to see that Carra is declining and Agger and Skrtel are on the way up. Carra should be first chice for the upcoming season, however the Agger Skrtel partnership should feature more often as well.

hansen6 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:39:43 AM »

I would leave out carra a lot of the time as well and make Agger and Skrtel play most games, Carra just can't pass as well as those two.

lachesis · « **Reply #3 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:43:29 AM »

Carragher and Skrtel from last season. I know Carragher made consistent mistakes through a sticky patch but Agger was nowhere near the heights he previously reached apart from the odd games at the trail end.

Agger and Skrtel will probably be phased in over the next two seasons, and then Carragher will become the old head like Sami.

This season I'd start with Skrtel and Carra again until injuries, form or suspensions dictate a change.

ben · « **Reply #4 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:49:51 AM »

I just worry about Agger and Skrtel together. Neither one is particularly vocal or commanding at this time. Ideally I would have them both in the side for the coming season but I think Carragher is nailed on because of his leadership abilities.

yorkykopite · « **Reply #5 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:56:34 AM »

Quote from: ben on July 7, 2009, 09:49:51 AM

I just worry about Agger and Skrtel together. Neither one is particularly vocal or commanding at this time.

Don't worry about it. It's anarchy at the back when two or three defenders are shouting instructions. One of them will find their voice when Carra is on the bench.

JetmirLFC · « **Reply #6 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:58:29 AM »

Quote from: hansen6 on July 7, 2009, 09:39:43 AM

I would leave out carra a lot of the time as well and make Agger and Skrtel play most games, Carra just can't pass as well as those two.

WTF

Carra's crossing is good, way way better than Skrtel's.
I just can't get the poing of leaving Carra out, that he is a LEGEND there's no doubt about that, but he plays regular football coz he deserves to, IMO he's our best CB, okay Agger & Skrtel have a future and that they are stronger than Carra physically, but it's about reading the game

A starting line-up without Carra Gold unimaginable

liverbird_soph · « **Reply #7 on:** July 7, 2009, 09:58:33 AM »

Quote from: ben on July 7, 2009, 09:49:51 AM

I just worry about Agger and Skrtel together. Neither one is particularly vocal or commanding at this time. Ideally I would have them both in the side for the coming season but I think Carragher is nailed on because of his leadership abilities.

I think one reason why they don't seem that vocal and commanding is that they are playing with Carra, who obviously takes that role. I think one of them would naturally develop leadership when playing regularly together. (That's not to say I want Carra dropped)

Nice to read Agger speaking so highly of Skrtel, I think Martin began to become a little underrated last year when lots of people started the whole Agger V Skrtel debate. Both great CBs.

Southern Pansy · « **Reply #8 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:03:40 AM »

Agger's form will be the great unknown. If he has a good pre-season and comes out of it injury-free he might well be our most complete centre back. But given recent history that is a big if. I think we are going to see more rotation. Carra will get less game time, but I'd rather that he play less games and hits the heights. Last season suggested that he is getting too old to play every game, but then without Agger's injury he would have played far less. I'd still pick Carra for the CL, but I think it is too much to get him to play both the PL games either side of the PL.

Southern Pansy · « **Reply #9 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:04:16 AM »

Quote from: yorkykopite on July 7, 2009, 09:56:34 AM

Don't worry about it. It's anarchy at the back when two or three defenders are shouting instructions. One of them will find their voice when Carra is on the bench.

If you need someone shouty at the back there is always Pepe.

Old No7 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:08:57 AM »

You need to pick and choose who plays depending on the opponent. I particularly like to see agger play at anfield, especially against teams who set out to defend against us, as Agger brings the ball out from the back on pushes the midfield higher up the pitch

Dr Cornwallis · « **Reply #11 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:10:54 AM »

Agger and Skrtel for me. I love Carra to bits but he's a lot more important to us as a utility player, like Arby is. Besides which, we're not talking about Carra never playing centre back, we're talking about which centre backs you would start with in the majority of the 'big' games.
I'm now especially keen on Agger/Skrtel after hearing that they are great friends, it's got Jocky/Lawro written all over it.

dr.dracco · « **Reply #12 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:18:42 AM »

Quote from: JetmirLFC on July 7, 2009, 09:58:29 AM

WTF Carra's crossing is good, way way better than Skrtel's.
I just can't get the poing of leaving Carra out, that he is a LEGEND there's no doubt about that, but he plays regular football coz he deserves to, IMO he's our best CB, okay Agger & Skrtel have a future and that they are stronger than Carra physically, but it's about reading the game

A starting line-up without Carra Gold unimaginable

First thing. It is great to hear Danny speaking so nice about Martin. He rates him highly and that counts also in the opposit way. Last week in Slovak papers has been interview with Martin about Agger and he spoke similar way. They are friends, share their rooms on away trip and they will be a great partnership in the future.
If they are mates off the pitch then they will work well on the pitch.

Second thing. I admire Carra as a defender but his passing is awful. Skrtel´s long balls are usually very accurate and his passing ability is at least twice as good as Jamie´s.

Anyone who is not biased will tell you that.

felix. · « **Reply #13 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:20:25 AM »

Quote from: dr.dracco on July 7, 2009, 10:18:42 AM

Anyone who is not biased will tell you that.

and you've told us as well!

Semaphore · « **Reply #14 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:24:07 AM »

We're certainly lucky to have 3 of the best. What about Sammi's replacement though?

Slightly off topic, but it's interesting seeing Lucas Neil's agent pushing him forward for a Prem return with West Ham. Rafa nearly signed him, so we know he likes him. He'd provide RB back-up if Arby goes to Madrid and would also provide CB back-up to replace Hyypia.

Not arguing for it because he's an idiot who's missed his chance with us, but it has a bit of logic to it. I'm surprised his agent hasn't started the rumour himself!

dr.dracco · « **Reply #15 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:25:03 AM »

Quote from: felix. on July 7, 2009, 10:20:25 AM

and you've told us as well!

Southern Pansy · « **Reply #16 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:27:36 AM »

Quote from: Semaphore on July 7, 2009, 10:24:07 AM

Not arguing for it because he's an idiot who's missed his chance with us, but it has a bit of logic to it. I'm surprised his agent hasn't started the rumour himself!

31 now, and mercenary. If the agent was starting a rumour, it'd be Man City...

thredworm · « **Reply #17 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:28:52 AM »

"Martin is a top, top player"

Daniel Agger, you are Jamie Redknapp, and I claim my £5.

TomDcs · « **Reply #18 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:32:08 AM »

Jamie is still a top class CB, playing him at RB shows up his lack of quality with going forward with the ball, he is still in the main very composed on the ball, for the next season or even two he should still be first on the team sheet for me, we know he makes the odd mistake but he's always there to clean up his own or other people's mistakes and his organisation is so key to us, martin and danny are undoubtedly the future but they need more games alongside carragher to learn more imo. Exciting times for our defence, it's a bit hard to imagine that a couple of months ago lots of people were resigned to agger leaving us.

JMarsh · « **Reply #19 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:32:59 AM »

Agger's a wanker.

Carry on.

rocco · « **Reply #20 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:35:06 AM »

The Future is now.

rapcage · « **Reply #21 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:36:39 AM »

love this Dane, im one of the ones for an Agger Skrtel partnership, whoever said Carragher can't pass as good as these two...is correct. and to the idiot who said Carragher is better at crossing then Skrtel, what the fuck has that got to do with being a CB?

abhred · « **Reply #22 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:44:11 AM »

Nice to see they're friends off the field. Bodes well for their partnership. I'm sure one of them will learn to shout instructions. Would be Agger for me. Skrtel doesn't need to shout. He just looks at them.

zero zero · « **Reply #23 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:52:41 AM »

It's great to read something like that from Agger, rather than all the 'guaranteed playing time' crap that was about from before he signed his new contract. His attitude is spot on for somebody who wants to succeed at a club like ours.

I'm surprised at the poll results. Unless Agger can get close to his best, I'd rather see Carragher & Skertl together.

rick287 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:57:42 AM »

Agger & Skrtel against smaller clubs, Carra involved when we might be under pressure for parts of the game.

peelyon · « **Reply #25 on:** July 7, 2009, 10:59:07 AM »

Just think back to when we all thought Agger was possibly moving on. Great to hear he's mates with Martin, really want those two to form a decent partnership

red_til_i_die · « **Reply #26 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:02:39 AM »

Rotation. Play which ever pair are most suited to the team there playing against.

Teams sitting back and defending Agger and Carra
Teams who play physical Carra and Skrtel
Teams who have fast players or hit on the break Agger and Skrtel
If were going all out attack play them as a back three with Johnson bombing down the right and Insua on the left.

Jägarn99 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:05:55 AM »

Carra is your heart (and soul), of course he need to be on the pitch. Skrtel and Agger will fight for the other spot.

Andy2006 · « **Reply #28 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:06:37 AM »

Nice to see from Agger, My preferred pairing would be Agger and Skrtel also.

buchigo! · « **Reply #29 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:08:31 AM »

Quote from: liverbird_soph on July 7, 2009, 09:58:33 AM

I think one reason why they don't seem that vocal and commanding is that they are playing with Carra, who obviously takes that role. I think one of them would naturally develop leadership when playing regularly together. (That's not to say I want Carra dropped)

Nice to read Agger speaking so highly of Skrtel, I think Martin began to become a little underrated last year when lots of people started the whole Agger V Skrtel debate. Both great CBs.

ben · « **Reply #30 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:25:23 AM »

One thing's for sure, Carragher needs more resting next year. He fucking never gets a break and looks dead on his feet at the end of every season.

Zaffarious · « **Reply #31 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:30:07 AM »

At anfield vs teams outside of the top 6 Agger and Skrtel should start.

Every other game Carra and Skrtel will probably start due to defensive stability that rafa likes.

Dr Cornwallis · « **Reply #32 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:34:22 AM »

Carra will be 32 in January, and while age has not stood in the way of Hyypia making a load of appearances after the age of 32, he was certainly not considered a regular in the past three years and would not have been picked for many of them had it not been for his physical attributes. Carragher is 6 foot tall, whereas Sami is 6 foot 4 and I think that this gave him a couple of extra years in all honesty, also allied to his distribution. Carra has neither asset unfortunately.

Car · « **Reply #33 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:34:36 AM »

I have great faith in Agger's leadership, judging by how he leads the defense of the Denmark team.

And he can be quite vocal if he want to:

On a side note, we have plenty of players signing a new deal this summer but not Carra. I remember Carra signed his last contract at the same time with Gerrard. Now Gerrard has been offered a new contract, but we haven't heard anything about Carra's yet. Anyone know anything about his contract situation?

rigden · « **Reply #34 on:** July 7, 2009, 11:46:45 AM »

Good on you Agger, one of my favourite players at the club at the moment. As for the partnership, I don't really care as long all are satisfied.

Joe_Singh · « **Reply #35 on:** July 7, 2009, 12:00:43 PM »

I think it should be an Agger/Skrtel partnership when we play teams who park the bus.

rapcage · « **Reply #36 on:** July 7, 2009, 12:21:01 PM »

Quote from: Joe_Singh on July 7, 2009, 12:00:43 PM

I think it should be an Agger/Skrtel partnership when we play teams who park the bus.

which is basically 14 teams in the league (28 matches).

nm83 · « **Reply #37 on:** July 7, 2009, 12:24:16 PM »

Quote from: Joe_Singh on July 7, 2009, 12:00:43 PM

I think it should be an Agger/Skrtel partnership when we play teams who park the bus.

Joe_Singh · « **Reply #38 on:** July 7, 2009, 12:27:52 PM »

Quote from: rapcage on July 7, 2009, 12:21:01 PM

which is basically 14 teams in the league (28 matches).

They don't ALL park the bus at their own ground though do they.

Joga · « **Reply #39 on:** July 7, 2009, 12:32:24 PM »

Quote from: Semaphore on July 7, 2009, 10:24:07 AM

We're certainly lucky to have 3 of the best. What about Sammi's replacement though?

Slightly off topic, but it's interesting seeing Lucas Neil's agent pushing him forward for a Prem return with West Ham. Rafa nearly signed him, so we know he likes him. He'd provide RB back-up if Arby goes to Madrid and would also provide CB back-up to replace Hyypia.

Not arguing for it because he's an idiot who's missed his chance with us, but it has a bit of logic to it. I'm surprised his agent hasn't started the rumour himself!

Fuck no. Do we really want somebody so utterly motivated by the filthy lucre? Not to mention the fact he's shite?

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Author Topic: Agger on Skrtel CB rivalry (Read 4974 times)