Have to say it looks like he is ahead of Skrtel in the pecking order and with Sakho out then we've got the choice of Kolo for another year or searching for a new CB - Matip, Lovren, Gomez and Lucas isn't really enough for a title-winning team. Likewise I think we all would like him to continue his association with the club, and a truncated playing schedule and some coaching time would be great news for all of us.