Skrtel deal done and dusted

[Shaggy]

Skrtel looks suitably mean. Lovely stuff. Does he have a series of mighty tattoos? He'd better do.

[Guest]

Skrtel looks suitably mean. Lovely stuff. Does he have a series of mighty tattoos? He'd better do.

He looks man enough.

[blacky]

If he works out he will be Carra's longterm replacement. I'm sure Sami will be released in the summer meaning Hobbs will 4th choice next season. I reckon Jamie will be rested for a games, he is at that age now where playing in all competitions won't do him any favours. Agger and Skrtel could be the future. Two big, powerful, pacy and composed centre backs would add a new dimension to the team!!

[AFII]

If he works out he will be Carra's longterm replacement. I'm sure Sami will be released in the summer meaning Hobbs will 4th choice next season. I reckon Jamie will be rested for a games, he is at that age now where playing in all competitions won't do him any favours. Agger and Skrtel could be the future. Two big, powerful, pacy and composed centre backs would add a new dimension to the team!!

Central defense sorted out for a long time.

[dww]

If he works out he will be Carra's longterm replacement. I'm sure Sami will be released in the summer meaning Hobbs will 4th choice next season. I reckon Jamie will be rested for a games, he is at that age now where playing in all competitions won't do him any favours. Agger and Skrtel could be the future. Two big, powerful, pacy and composed centre backs would add a new dimension to the team!!

I'd loan out Hobbs next season - he needs games at this stage in his career - he will never develop as a 4th choice getting 5 games a season or so and being unlikely to get a run of games. As such I'd keep Sami - wasn't there talk the other week of him getting an extra years contract.

I would actually try and loan Hobbs out now.

[Roboklopp]

I'd loan out Hobbs next season - he needs games at this stage in his career - he will never develop as a 4th choice getting 5 games a season or so and being unlikely to get a run of games. As such I'd keep Sami - wasn't there talk the other week of him getting an extra years contract.

I would actually try and loan Hobbs out now.

Aye on all fronts.


...and also aye that Scurtains looks mean as ****.

[AFII]

Martin Skrtel admits the impression left on him by Rafa Benitez was key to him spurning offers from other Premier League clubs.
The Slovak trained with his new teammates for the first time on Friday morning before Liverpoolfc.tv was granted the first interview.

Skrtel - who was reportedly a target for Everton, Spurs and Valencia - told us his new boss made quite an impression during negotiations between the Reds and former club Zenit St Petersburg.

"The manager wanted me to come here which was important for me," said the 23-year-old. "I found him to be a nice man and Rafa was a big influence on me coming to Liverpool.

"I am looking forward to my first game at Anfield and playing in front of the Liverpool supporters. I can't wait. I have been to Anfield and it is beautiful. I can't wait to see it when it is full of fans."

The Russian Premier League is currently in the middle of a winter break, meaning Skrtel is not fit enough to play any part in this weekend's clash with Middlesbrough.

It may take the new boy 10 days to find match fitness, but with three established centre-backs already at the club, he knows he may have to be patient.

He said: "Obviously I was aware about the competition for places. Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Daniel Agger are players with immense quality.

"I will do my best to get into the team as soon as possible. For any team to have competition in all positions is good and I will work as hard as possible to challenge for a place. Rafa hasn't said too much to me about my place just yet."

Skrtel has already had a taste of playing with Premier League players having pitted his wits against Andy Johnson and Everton in the UEFA Cup earlier this season.

Never, though, has he played alongside players of the quality of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres – until this morning, that is.

He admits his first training session was a nerve-wracking experience.

"I had my first training session with the team today and the lads all welcomed me to the club. I was a bit nervous because they are huge stars but once training started I was okay."

As well as getting used to new surroundings here on Merseyside, Skrtel will embark on a crash course in English. Not that he'll need as many lessons as some who arrive at Melwood.

He explained: "The coach at Zenit, Dick Advocaat, spoke English to the players, so I already know many of the football phrases - that should help."

Skrtel admits he owes Advocaat a debt of gratitude, not only for the English lessons, but for allowing him to complete a dream move to the Premier League.

"The past few days have been full of anxiety and wait but I'm glad it's all sorted now and I am finally a Liverpool player," he said.

"I would like to say a big 'Thank you' to Zenit St Petersburg for allowing me to come to Liverpool. I was under contract at Zenit and they helped me with this move.

"When I played against Everton it showed me why I always wanted to play in the English league. I am very happy to be here."

The player also revealed the move to Liverpool means he will have to give up his other favourite pastime, hockey.

"As a child I played a lot of hockey. When I was at Zenit we had a winter break and the manager let me play hockey then. Now I'm here at Liverpool I won't be able to do that anymore more."

http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/drill...80111-1622.htm

[Ben_Itez]

Skrtel looks suitably mean. Lovely stuff. Does he have a series of mighty tattoos? He'd better do.

He seemed to have plenty of tats on SSN. Not sure whether they're Agger mean or Riise/Kewell poofy

[DannyMan2006]

I'd loan out Hobbs next season - he needs games at this stage in his career - he will never develop as a 4th choice getting 5 games a season or so and being unlikely to get a run of games. As such I'd keep Sami - wasn't there talk the other week of him getting an extra years contract.

I would actually try and loan Hobbs out now.

I hear on the grapevine that Jack Hobbs is moving to Norwich City on loan for the rest of the season.

[Darth Marty]

Uncle Albert

[mersey86]

Skrtel looks a bit like Matt Damon. Might Carra occasionally move to left back if Skrtel makes a good start?

[KK07]

If nothing else he looks like CB.

Time will tell,best of luck to the lad,fingers crossed.

[mersey86]

I hear on the grapevine that Jack Hobbs is moving to Norwich City on loan for the rest of the season.

I hope he develops well there. It seems that loan moves are often the first step to a transfer.

[Shaggy]

Skrtel looks a bit like Matt Damon

You sure you weren't looking at a picture of Steve Finnan?

[Red_Polo]

Steve Finnan