Topic: Agger at left back?

[starskysdad]

There really is some retarded shit going on in here:

1. Agger is a centre back
2. He has every opportunity to get in to the first team
3. At the moment there is a strong momentum going on within the team, Rafa's making minimal changes for the first time in a while and we are looking strong - Agger needs a couple of back to back games - he can get those with denmark.  Its too risky considering the amount of first team football he has had to put him in to Key CL games or v Everton or Manure - if he had put him and he didnt play well then everyone would get flack - its all bollocks
4. He is not and will not be a Left back - I would put my house on it - in fact there is more chance of him playing as a DM than a LB.
5. When he gets his chance he will take it - if he doesnt then yes he may well be off but I personally think he will take that chance and rock out wiv his cock out!
6. Having proper competition within the team in these areas is what we have wanted for years - now we have it, it does not mean we then have to reinvent their natural positions so we can get them all in the same team.

[Portland1]

I think agger and Carra should be our new striking partnership.


put pacheco and nemeth as our new CB partnership.

[Dr Cornwallis]

--------------------Reina----------------------

--------------------Skrtel----------------------

----Carragher------------------Agger-------


--------Mascherano-----Lucas--------------


Gerrard-------Benayoun-------Aurelio----

------------Keane-------Torres-------------

[Regi]

Either Benitez does not rate Agger defensive ability as high as that of Skretel or there has been a fall out between the two. Attacking wise Agger is so superior to the other CBs that he should be an automatic first choice.

Mate I'm not sure about that.
Fact is, Danny was out for a year and he looked well below his supreme standards against Liege.
He isn't going to be back to his best for a while yet, and while he is getting stronger again, I think it makes sense to have Skrtel in there.
Let's be honest. Martin Skrtel has barely put a foot wrong in ages.
The lad has earned his place in the team big time.
Sure, he's not the classy central defensive playmaker that Danny is but he's a difficult lad to get the better of.
In time, they will make a fantastic partnership, but on current form I have to say I think Rafa has it right.
Throwing Danny in now would still represent something of a risk...playing Skrtel is no risk at all.
I know what you're saying about being an attacking threat but our team has been made more attacking both out wide and up front with the additions of Keane and Riera, so we do carry more threat than before already.
Danny may score more, but at the minute Rafa believes Martin will keep more out at the other end and that, at the end of the day, is the main factor in this.
That said, by Christmas I expect Danny to be in the first 11 again.

PS...I just wonder, if this was the other way around would anywhere near as many people be giving such vocal support to Martin Skrtel. I really think this lad is class and I find it a little frustrating that so many would be willing to discard him to the bench immediately. There is no basis I can see for this. Danny is clearly more of a darling with the fans because he oozes class on the ball, but this shouldn't hide the fact that Skrtel is one mean motherfucker and puts the shits up opposing strikers in a way Agger probably never will. I'm sure Drogba, Adebayor and Rooney would testify to that

[redprodigal]

Either Benitez does not rate Agger defensive ability as high as that of Skretel or there has been a fall out between the two. Attacking wise Agger is so superior to the other CBs that he should be an automatic first choice.

Why? Defenders are not only in the team to attack are they? Agger should play against the teams that just defend against us. We all know who they are. That's when he would be at his best, when he's needed to come out of defence and use his flair. You can't say that he should be an automatic first choice all the time though. Carra and Skrtel have been doing so well that you can't just leave one of them out because Agger is a better attacking defender. There's plenty of time for him yet.

[01harveyj]

Hahahahahaha - it's like an instant post-Istanbul fan detector. 

Older fans may remember how Carragher at right back and to a lesser extent left back was a real weak link in our Houllier era teams.  Defensively solid but dreadfully limited going forwards.

I know we dream about a team of Carraghers - but we don't really want to see it.

I usually agree with your post to be honest you tend to speak a lot of sense but thats plain wrong to be honest - nobody could ever say that carra has ever been a weak link in a liverpool shirt an you know that yaself!  as for him as a full back, although i wouldnt play him there meself, one of his top 3 seasons for liverpool was in 2000 at full back!

agger could deffo play full back, most likely better than both dossena and aurelio, its questionable if he'd be happy doing so but i think he'd be a revelation there to be honest

I daren't think what u bunch of narrow minded idiots are gonna start saying when stevie g moves to right back in a few seasons to finnish his career

[Regi]

I usually agree with your post to be honest you tend to speak a lot of sense but thats plain wrong to be honest - nobody could ever say that carra has ever been a weak link in a liverpool shirt an you know that yaself!  as for him as a full back, although i wouldnt play him there meself, one of his top 3 seasons for liverpool was in 2000 at full back!

agger could deffo play full back, most likely better than both dossena and aurelio, its questionable if he'd be happy doing so but i think he'd be a revelation there to be honest

I daren't think what u bunch of narrow minded idiots are gonna start saying when stevie g moves to right back in a few seasons to finnish his career

Better than Aurelio?
I think you'd need to think about that.
Aurelio, fully fit, is a superb left-back.
How you can say that someone who has never played there would be better is beyond me.

[redprodigal]

Because Arbeloa has probably been our best player so far this season?

to be honest Arby will soon prove to be a weak link in our side. We have been slowly improving in every position but we haven't at right back. He is solid enough but that's about it. Our full backs still fall below the standard that we need to be top of the pile, yes that includes Fabio too.

[01harveyj]

Better than Aurelio?
I think you'd need to think about that.
Aurelio, fully fit, is a superb left-back.
How you can say that someone who has never played there would be better is beyond me.

didnt say he was i said 'most likely' and judging by the fact he is FAR superior defensively and much better in the air (will help with our aerial defensive frailties) and has shown he is as good as aurelio on the ball i'd say its a fair statement to be honest mate

aurelio came with the reputaion as a set piece specialist, not to say he hasnt done some fantstic crosses but they're too irregular for me, at times he could throw the ball up into the stands an i'll cross a fuckin better ball in that doesnt hit the first man!

[fowlermagic]

My last post about Agger for the day I swear ...the reason why he gets into my team 7 out of 10 times is we play those sort of teams 7 out of 10 times where our lack of creative edge sometimes in the rest of the side is crying out for an Agger. I mean Agger if played in those games would probably score or create an assist as much as some of our wide guys.

That is why Agger when fit is a must play. Our dull / blunt cutting edge needs him some days.

[Spanish Fan]

Mate I'm not sure about that.
Fact is, Danny was out for a year and he looked well below his supreme standards against Liege.
He isn't going to be back to his best for a while yet, and while he is getting stronger again, I think it makes sense to have Skrtel in there.
Let's be honest. Martin Skrtel has barely put a foot wrong in ages.
The lad has earned his place in the team big time.
Sure, he's not the classy central defensive playmaker that Danny is but he's a difficult lad to get the better of.
In time, they will make a fantastic partnership, but on current form I have to say I think Rafa has it right.
Throwing Danny in now would still represent something of a risk...playing Skrtel is no risk at all.
I know what you're saying about being an attacking threat but our team has been made more attacking both out wide and up front with the additions of Keane and Riera, so we do carry more threat than before already.
Danny may score more, but at the minute Rafa believes Martin will keep more out at the other end and that, at the end of the day, is the main factor in this.
That said, by Christmas I expect Danny to be in the first 11 again.

PS...I just wonder, if this was the other way around would anywhere near as many people be giving such vocal support to Martin Skrtel. I really think this lad is class and I find it a little frustrating that so many would be willing to discard him to the bench immediately. There is no basis I can see for this. Danny is clearly more of a darling with the fans because he oozes class on the ball, but this shouldn't hide the fact that Skrtel is one mean motherfucker and puts the shits up opposing strikers in a way Agger probably never will. I'm sure Drogba, Adebayor and Rooney would testify to that

True, there is a chance that he is not at the peak of his form. The other part of your post is saying what I am suggesting, that Skretel may be a better defender than Agger in the eyes of Benitez.

[Spanish Fan]

Why? Defenders are not only in the team to attack are they? Agger should play against the teams that just defend against us. We all know who they are. That's when he would be at his best, when he's needed to come out of defence and use his flair. You can't say that he should be an automatic first choice all the time though. Carra and Skrtel have been doing so well that you can't just leave one of them out because Agger is a better attacking defender. There's plenty of time for him yet.

Of course if a defender is a liability at the back is not use to have him there. That's why I am saying that Benitez may prefer Skretel over Agger  because of his better defensive ability.

[Regi]

didnt say he was i said 'most likely' and judging by the fact he is FAR superior defensively and much better in the air (will help with our aerial defensive frailties) and has shown he is as good as aurelio on the ball i'd say its a fair statement to be honest mate

aurelio came with the reputaion as a set piece specialist, not to say he hasnt done some fantstic crosses but they're too irregular for me, at times he could throw the ball up into the stands an i'll cross a fuckin better ball in that doesnt hit the first man!

You can't pick and choose individual qualities and then say he'd be better in the position!
There is a lot more to playing full-back than what you've mentioned.
Positionally, Aurelio is superb...defensively he's a lot better than you obviously think (when's the last time he got skinned?) and he's also good in the air (although it's not such a concern at full-back). What would Agger know about positional play at full-back?

If people on here are concerned about Danny Agger's frustration at not playing, why do they think that playing left-back would help?
IMO it would make his frustration worse, not better....it's not his position, so I hardly see him jumping for joy being asked to do a job he doesn't know!
The lad is a centre-half, a fucking potential great at centre-half. He is not and will not be a full-back.

We've seen enough of the square pegs in round holes at Liverpool...now is not the time for another

[MamboGarcia]

Aurelio an Dossena are two of the best left backs in the world...Agger has no chance of breaking this interesting battle for first place.

There is always the possiblity of using Agger as back-up for Alonso...but otherwise, he should be patient like everyone else.

Agger and Skrtel for the future!

[Regi]

Aurelio an Dossena are two of the best left backs in the world...Agger has no chance of breaking this interesting battle for first place.

There is always the possiblity of using Agger as back-up for Alonso...but otherwise, he should be patient like everyone else.

Agger and Skrtel for the future!

Dossena has a long way to go before he gets that sort of compliment.
I know he'll get better as he settles into the system and new league...but he's a far cry from the best in the world at the minute.
Give him time

[redprodigal]

Aurelio an Dossena are two of the best left backs in the world..

I'm sorry mate but you must have been smoking a lot of dodgy stuff today, they are nowhere near that, nowhere near.

[John C]

--------------------Reina----------------------

--------------------Skrtel----------------------

----Carragher------------------Agger-------


--------Mascherano-----Lucas--------------


Gerrard-------Benayoun-------Aurelio----

------------Keane-------Torres-------------

Only a game against a top side would prove me wrong but you've lost the plot with that formation mate.
Just as a matter of interest, is Skrtel a sweeper or / and (delete as appropriate) is SG a right wing back?

[AA1122]

put pacheco and nemeth as our new CB partnership.

Im not sure Pacheco is ready for first team football at the moment, he's past it and needs to regain match fitness. Not sure about playing Nemeth CB, I think he would be far more suited to more defensive midfield role.

[John C]

to be honest Arby will soon prove to be a weak link in our side. We have been slowly improving in every position but we haven't at right back. He is solid enough but that's about it. Our full backs still fall below the standard that we need to be top of the pile, yes that includes Fabio too.

I don't disrespect your suspicions or concerns. As a side we are unfavoured to be PL champions nationally so something is wrong somewhere (watch this forum for the answers) but Arbeloa hasn't put much of a foot wrong for a while. He lets each game pass with unassuming competence and recently confidence as he appears to be happier getting forward. Don't forget this is the guy that played left back for us on occasions when asked.

[CorKopite]

I agree Carra and Skrtel are playing brilliant stuff at the moment........and wouldnt want to discard either of them to the bench just for Danny's sake.

However,Danny needs to be played soon,im not sure how hes going to fit into the team............but when you have Real Madrid knocking on the door for him(plus what weve seen with him)........it really puts it in perspective what a talent he is........i personally had never heard of him when Rafa signed him from Brondby but after 90 minutes it was clear why he did sign him....the boy is class

If his excuse for not playing him is the Standard Liege game that just doesnt cut it for me..........every one of the 10 outfield players maybe leaving out Xabi were useless that night in Belgium.....Agger needs a chance.....SOON........if he leaves in January I will cry myself to sleep for a while..........even though i think Carra and Skrtel are top drawer,in my opinion Agger on his day is our best CB........supose this is the price we pay for having 3 world class CBs


In relation to the question....play him at right back?.......No........Aurelio is verygood on his day and its his natural position

[redprodigal]

I don't disrespect your suspicions or concerns. As a side we are unfavoured to be PL champions nationally so something is wrong somewhere (watch this forum for the answers) but Arbeloa hasn't put much of a foot wrong for a while. He lets each game pass with unassuming competence and recently confidence as he appears to be happier getting forward. Don't forget this is the guy that played left back for us on occasions when asked.

Fair enough, but as you say "he hasn't put much of a foot wrong" and "he lets each game pass with unassuming competence" but this is not what we really need now imo. We need something more from our fullbacks, someone with a bit more pace and flair that can do the extra job we need, someone like an Evra or Glichy and why not eh? Is that asking for too much. No, I don't think so, remember who we are.

[AA1122]

Fair enough, but as you say "he hasn't put much of a foot wrong" and "he lets each game pass with unassuming competence" but this is not what we really need now imo. We need something more from our fullbacks, someone with a bit more pace and flair that can do the extra job we need, someone like an Evra or Glichy and why not eh? Is that asking for too much. No, I don't think so, remember who we are.

As long as were winning we don't need anything extra, I've been impressed with Arby this season.
All is well, the defence is fine, let it be.

[redprodigal]

As long as were winning we don't need anything extra, I've been impressed with Arby this season.
All is well, the defence is fine, let it be.

So far so good, but always look to improve.

[Filler.]

Anyone remember The Guns of Navarone? The film? And in particular, Edward Fox. I love Edward Fox. The best moment in the film is when Fox is stuffing his pipe lying on the grass a good minute after the dam has 'blown' and yer man who fought Rocky is ranting and raving about how it's all gone tits up and Fox just puts his pipe in his mouth and says, 'Give it time old boy, give it time', and lights it with a glint.

It's one of the great lines of film history (to me anyway) and one I come back to sometimes and it's served me well generally.

I think we all need a dose of this patience when it comes to this thread. It's a reflection of how high in esteem we hold Mr Agger probably, that we've descended into arguing the toss about him playing at left back. I'm sure he could fill in if needed, of course he could, but he's going to be our centre-back for a good few years as we all know.

If people think half a season is long in football, try 3 weeks being a long time. EVERYTHING can change in that time, and right now, he's wearing a shirt that is in a reasonably good position, and yet we're still not in top gear. Agger will be part of that top gear... we know that, rafa knows that and Danny knows that.

Yes... there's a lure maybe of Madrid (there will also be a lure of possible recompense by the wallets), but maybe Rafa is gonna be a good person to talk to him about all that? Agger is in a bunch of about 6 or 7 players in the squad who are must have's - i.e, irreplacable. And we don't need to find a way, or an excuse, or a pattern of ideas to include him for the sake of it.


You know who else he reminds me of? A meerkat sentinal.

[John C]

Fair enough, but as you say "he hasn't put much of a foot wrong" and "he lets each game pass with unassuming competence" but this is not what we really need now imo. We need something more from our fullbacks, someone with a bit more pace and flair that can do the extra job we need, someone like an Evra or Glichy and why not eh? Is that asking for too much. No, I don't think so, remember who we are.

Football seasons are like the seasons of the weather - expect change. Evra hasn't blossomed this season and his diminutive stature is in the shade of a few good seasons that Arbeloa has matured in. He's definitely PL winning material (whereas I'd say Babel isn't - opinions), he links well with whoever is in front of him. In one game last season he play out of position on the left with Yossi in front of him (in typical Rafa fashion) - both strangers to each other and the position, but both were superb throughout (OK so Rafa gets the plaudit).
 
My point is that ignore that fact that he's not a household name or Spains 1st choice RB, he's good enough for us for a couple of years until something more special and attainable arrives.
 
All this in an Agger thread!

[John C]

If people think half a season is long in football, try 3 weeks being a long time. EVERYTHING can change

All it needs is a couple of injuries and a suspension and Agger could find himself in the 2 with Alonso in a 4-2-3-1. Why not?

[fowlerisgod96]

We shouldnt be looking for a new position for him. The reason people are saying he 'needs' to be in the side, is because he's an excellent CB. No point in putting an excellent CB at LB or CM. If he cant get in the side as a CB, he wont get in the side.

[Captain Caveman]

I'd like to see Agger play right wing instead of Kuyt, he'd score more goals for one thing. And I'm sure Kuyt could do a great job at left back if Agger couldn't play there. But that might mean Aurelio would be moved into centre-half if Skrtel or Carragher got injured. So maybe it's not such a good idea afterall.

[afc tukrish]

Anyone remember The Guns of Navarone? The film? And in particular, Edward Fox. I love Edward Fox. The best moment in the film is when Fox is stuffing his pipe lying on the grass a good minute after the dam has 'blown' and yer man who fought Rocky is ranting and raving about how it's all gone tits up and Fox just puts his pipe in his mouth and says, 'Give it time old boy, give it time', and lights it with a glint.

It's one of the great lines of film history (to me anyway) and one I come back to sometimes and it's served me well generally.

I think we all need a dose of this patience when it comes to this thread. It's a reflection of how high in esteem we hold Mr Agger probably, that we've descended into arguing the toss about him playing at left back. I'm sure he could fill in if needed, of course he could, but he's going to be our centre-back for a good few years as we all know.

If people think half a season is long in football, try 3 weeks being a long time. EVERYTHING can change in that time, and right now, he's wearing a shirt that is in a reasonably good position, and yet we're still not in top gear. Agger will be part of that top gear... we know that, rafa knows that and Danny knows that.

Yes... there's a lure maybe of Madrid (there will also be a lure of possible recompense by the wallets), but maybe Rafa is gonna be a good person to talk to him about all that? Agger is in a bunch of about 6 or 7 players in the squad who are must have's - i.e, irreplacable. And we don't need to find a way, or an excuse, or a pattern of ideas to include him for the sake of it.


You know who else he reminds me of? A meerkat sentinal.

If you look really closely, you can see the tats...

[Mad Men]

Why not stick Babel at left back while we're at it? Stupid thread from someone who probably has never played as a center half or even played any competitive football in his life.

[fowlerisgod96]

If you dont look closely at all, you can see the bollocks

[Filler.]

If you dont look closely at all, you can see the bollocks

[redprodigal]

Im not sure Pacheco is ready for first team football at the moment, he's past it and needs to regain match fitness. Not sure about playing Nemeth CB, I think he would be far more suited to more defensive midfield role.

To be honest Nemeth was born to be a goalkeeper and the way Pepe has been shipping goals recently he could well be our No 1 choice befort the season's over.

[matchyg]

CM, he could be better than some others who are currently occupying that role.   

[Ecuared]

Nobody likes to see Agger on the bench, but he´ll have to be patient and wait his turn. CB´s just don´t need rotating as much as other positions. But Agger will get his games, even if Carra and Skrtel remain the number one choice. We have CC, FA Cup and Champions League games, then the busy Christmas schedule so Dagger will have his chance to shine.

I think the unneasiness amongst us all is natural, the guy who we all see as our CB for the next ten years is on the bench, probably mildly disgruntled, and is now Madrid´s main target for January. Madrid have shelled out really big money for central defenders recently and it will be interesting to see what happens should they come in with a bid in the 15-20 Million pound range. Unfortunately it seems like we have to sell in order to buy, and Rafa just might be tempted if Madrid put in a silly offer. That being said I just don´t see him being moved on in January, that would really surprise me.

To answer the original question, I don´t think Agger should be played at left back, although if Aurelio gets injured again (quite likely), and Dossena isn´t performing I guess he could get a look in.

As always, I have the feeling that Rafa has already spent hours more than any of us pondering this very conundrum. Rafa has said that he has had talks with Agger and they are on the same page, hopefully that is the case. Anyways, it´s a long season and we will just have to wait and see how it all works out in the end.

[2dogs in LA]

Deffo!
Put him there in some of the "best 11" threads.
Anyone who can't understand it can be directed to the example of Maldini; a left footed center half who scored shitloads from left back position for club and country.
Also provides exellent fluidity of formation within a starting eleven.
Fabio and Arbeloa are looking the part now though...
Still would have Agger there in my best 11.
Long ball from leftback to right wing. Deffending corners. Moving up the pitch with grace...
I reckon, anyway. Benitez will never do it though.

[Red number seven]

Anyone remember The Guns of Navarone? The film? And in particular, Edward Fox. I love Edward Fox. The best moment in the film is when Fox is stuffing his pipe lying on the grass a good minute after the dam has 'blown' and yer man who fought Rocky is ranting and raving about how it's all gone tits up and Fox just puts his pipe in his mouth and says, 'Give it time old boy, give it time', and lights it with a glint.

It's one of the great lines of film history (to me anyway) and one I come back to sometimes and it's served me well generally.

I think we all need a dose of this patience when it comes to this thread. It's a reflection of how high in esteem we hold Mr Agger probably, that we've descended into arguing the toss about him playing at left back. I'm sure he could fill in if needed, of course he could, but he's going to be our centre-back for a good few years as we all know.

If people think half a season is long in football, try 3 weeks being a long time. EVERYTHING can change in that time, and right now, he's wearing a shirt that is in a reasonably good position, and yet we're still not in top gear. Agger will be part of that top gear... we know that, rafa knows that and Danny knows that.

Yes... there's a lure maybe of Madrid (there will also be a lure of possible recompense by the wallets), but maybe Rafa is gonna be a good person to talk to him about all that? Agger is in a bunch of about 6 or 7 players in the squad who are must have's - i.e, irreplacable. And we don't need to find a way, or an excuse, or a pattern of ideas to include him for the sake of it.


You know who else he reminds me of? A meerkat sentinal.

Force 10 from Navarone, surely? Edward Fox wasn't in 'Guns' and neither was a dam.

[Red Heaven]

Agger at LM

[Alf]

We need to be very careful with Agger IMO. He's going to get pissed off pretty quickly with us turning Madrid away and not playing him. I'd like to see him at left back he's good going forward and he can defend which is more than Aurelio or Dossena can do.

[freedom]

NO