Just wondering how many people, if any, rated Agger above Carragher? I know Carragher is our figurehead on the pitch. He epitomises the team, wears his heart on his sleeve and really gives his all. He’s always there making last ditch tackles and amazing interceptions. Indeed, I – like most on here – recognise him as one of the best defenders in Europe.
But has young Agger surpassed him already? We don’t see Dan making the same sort of tackles as Carra but I think this is due to positioning and reading of the game. Carra is a great reader of the game but, sometimes, I think the fact he has to dash around the box making these challenges is often down to his (and others) misreading of the game, or being out of position. I’m not saying Agger is faultless positionally but – very much like Maldini – it is his reading of the game which means he never has to make last ditch tackles. Like Maldini, you never see Agger on his arse – he’s either intercepting the ball high up the pitch or striding forward a la Hansen.
Also, Dan’s comfort on the ball puts him above Carra. Jamie is very reliable on the ball and rarely loses it but Agger’s ability to use the ball and bring it forward is unsurpassed by most midfielders, never mind centre-halves. He can start an attack from the edge of our box and his unflustered style means we’re never under pressure when he’s on the ball. Also, you can’t argue with his prowess in the opposition box…or when approaching it from 30 yards.
Sure, there are areas of his game where I think he can improve. Most notably in the air but, then again, when we’re comparing him to Big Sami, it’s no surprise he comes up short.
The best example I can think of Dan’s maturity and game intelligence is the Chelsea CL semi-final from last year. In the first leg he was absolutely dominated by Drogba – one of the strongest and best forwards in the world. But in the second leg he didn’t get overawed. He was calm, collected, adapted his game and Drogba didn’t get a touch. And Dan even ended up getting the crucial goal.
So, in no way am I criticising Carra – he and Agger are my favourite players. I’m just asking the question, is Agger now better than Carra? Maybe Carra is still the best defender but Dan is a better ‘footballer’ and offers more to our new look attacking team?
But has young Agger surpassed him already? We don’t see Dan making the same sort of tackles as Carra but I think this is due to positioning and reading of the game. Carra is a great reader of the game but, sometimes, I think the fact he has to dash around the box making these challenges is often down to his (and others) misreading of the game, or being out of position. I’m not saying Agger is faultless positionally but – very much like Maldini – it is his reading of the game which means he never has to make last ditch tackles. Like Maldini, you never see Agger on his arse – he’s either intercepting the ball high up the pitch or striding forward a la Hansen.
Also, Dan’s comfort on the ball puts him above Carra. Jamie is very reliable on the ball and rarely loses it but Agger’s ability to use the ball and bring it forward is unsurpassed by most midfielders, never mind centre-halves. He can start an attack from the edge of our box and his unflustered style means we’re never under pressure when he’s on the ball. Also, you can’t argue with his prowess in the opposition box…or when approaching it from 30 yards.
Sure, there are areas of his game where I think he can improve. Most notably in the air but, then again, when we’re comparing him to Big Sami, it’s no surprise he comes up short.
The best example I can think of Dan’s maturity and game intelligence is the Chelsea CL semi-final from last year. In the first leg he was absolutely dominated by Drogba – one of the strongest and best forwards in the world. But in the second leg he didn’t get overawed. He was calm, collected, adapted his game and Drogba didn’t get a touch. And Dan even ended up getting the crucial goal.
So, in no way am I criticising Carra – he and Agger are my favourite players. I’m just asking the question, is Agger now better than Carra? Maybe Carra is still the best defender but Dan is a better ‘footballer’ and offers more to our new look attacking team?
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