From the Echo:
Agger may be in for good - Molby Sep 14 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
JAN MOLBY believes fellow Dane Daniel Agger is ready to cement his place in Liverpool's back four, breaking up the traditional pairing of Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
Molby says the 21-year-old's performances this season prove why he's got the potential to become one of Europe's hottest defensive talents. And Anfield's first Great Dane believes manager Rafa Benitez will keep faith in the youngster for this weekend's trip to Stamford Bridge.
"He is definitely threatening to break up the partnership of Carra and Sami now," said Molby.
"His performance in the Community Shield was particularly significant, because I'm sure that convinced the manager Agger was now ready.
"Now he's built on that against Sheffield United, West Ham and PSV.
"His strength is his maturity and ability to handle any situation he faces.
"It doesn't matter how big the game is, nothing fazes him. That's been shown for his club and at international level ever since he made his debut for Brondby.
"It was obviously an important game for Liverpool's defence on Tuesday, so for Agger to come in an perform like that shows his quality.
"I'd say he deserves to keep his place against Chelsea on Sunday.
"I know there's a lot of talk of resting players, but I'm not so sure when Agger is picked it's because Sami is being rested now.
"Don't get me wrong, Sami is far from finished at Liverpool, but I'm sure we're going to see the partnership of Carra and Agger develop and I think Sami is at a stage of his career where he realises he won't be starting every match.
"I thought Agger was unfortunate not to start against Everton, but you could understand the decision to bring Carra straight back in.
"Now it's up to him. If he plays against Chelsea and performs well again, you can see him being established as a first team regular quicker than we thought at the start of the season."
And Molby added: "There were unrealistic expectations in Denmark when Agger first signed, with some people expecting him to force his way into the team immediately.
"That was never going to happen, but the few months he had here last year have worked to his advantage."
Agger may be in for good - Molby Sep 14 2006
By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo
JAN MOLBY believes fellow Dane Daniel Agger is ready to cement his place in Liverpool's back four, breaking up the traditional pairing of Jamie Carragher and Sami Hyypia.
Molby says the 21-year-old's performances this season prove why he's got the potential to become one of Europe's hottest defensive talents. And Anfield's first Great Dane believes manager Rafa Benitez will keep faith in the youngster for this weekend's trip to Stamford Bridge.
"He is definitely threatening to break up the partnership of Carra and Sami now," said Molby.
"His performance in the Community Shield was particularly significant, because I'm sure that convinced the manager Agger was now ready.
"Now he's built on that against Sheffield United, West Ham and PSV.
"His strength is his maturity and ability to handle any situation he faces.
"It doesn't matter how big the game is, nothing fazes him. That's been shown for his club and at international level ever since he made his debut for Brondby.
"It was obviously an important game for Liverpool's defence on Tuesday, so for Agger to come in an perform like that shows his quality.
"I'd say he deserves to keep his place against Chelsea on Sunday.
"I know there's a lot of talk of resting players, but I'm not so sure when Agger is picked it's because Sami is being rested now.
"Don't get me wrong, Sami is far from finished at Liverpool, but I'm sure we're going to see the partnership of Carra and Agger develop and I think Sami is at a stage of his career where he realises he won't be starting every match.
"I thought Agger was unfortunate not to start against Everton, but you could understand the decision to bring Carra straight back in.
"Now it's up to him. If he plays against Chelsea and performs well again, you can see him being established as a first team regular quicker than we thought at the start of the season."
And Molby added: "There were unrealistic expectations in Denmark when Agger first signed, with some people expecting him to force his way into the team immediately.
"That was never going to happen, but the few months he had here last year have worked to his advantage."
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