Daniel Agger

[CJ]

I wouldn't sell him, although I can see where you are coming from, that said if the club were to want to do it, now isn't really a good time, in the next couple of years we are likely to lose another two experienced centre backs (Carragher and Kyriakos) getting rid of a 3rd would IMO unsettle things.

for me (who is clearly losing this argument of discussion) the unsetling thing argument is a bit of a moot point due to the fact that having to chop and change due to his injuries is unsettling . So having a fit cb who plays nearly all games is actually less unsettling.

[red g]

i doubt it too.

i just think there is a strong case to do it.

well always the main case is monetary....and I dont think anyone would pay big money for an Injury prone defender and to replace him with quality would be 15m+

we need to be getting rid of at least one of carra/skrtel/soto and replace with a top class defender comfortable on the ball, I feel we have to start of next season with defenders who can play footie or we will see far to much hoofball for carroll.

[Exiled_red]

for me (who is clearly losing this argument of discussion) the unsetling thing argument is a bit of a moot point due to the fact that having to chop and change due to his injuries is unsettling . So having a fit cb who plays nearly all games is actually less unsettling.

I personally don't think bringing Agger back into the team has unsettled things, I think we play much better when he is there, having him going out of the team is the unsettling part. Perhaps my previous post was badly worded, instead of unsettling I meant unstablizing (in a long term sense). I think taking 3 of our 4 centre backs out of the squad in a couple of year is a bit too much. I know we did it with the arrival of Henchoz and Hyypia, but I think the squad should be allowed to evolve slowly so you train a player into a role rather than rip the whole defence up and start again. We already need a new left back in the summer and will likely be having a different right back starting next season than the one that finishes this (be that Johnson or Kelly)I'd be cautious about making too many changes all at once. Rafa's experiment of going to more attacking fullbacks even with a solid CB partnership caused problems for the defence and the way the team played.

[red g]

for me (who is clearly losing this argument of discussion) the unsetling thing argument is a bit of a moot point due to the fact that having to chop and change due to his injuries is unsettling . So having a fit cb who plays nearly all games is actually less unsettling.

In the 2006 January transfer window, Daniel Agger moved to Liverpool from Brondby for what was a club record fee for a defender, at £5.8m. Agger made his Liverpool debut that February against Birmingham City, a match which also saw the ‘second coming’ of Robbie Fowler. However, the Dane was limited to just 4 appearances for his new club that season due to injury.

Agger forced his way into the team during his first full season at Liverpool. Sami Hyypia, who had made 57 appearances in the previous season, played just 29 times, compared to Agger’s 43, as Liverpool made it to their second Champions League final in three years. However, in the years since, injuries have restricted Agger to less playing time, with 6 appearances in 07/08, 26 in 08/09 and 36 in 09/10. These numbers suggested progress, but with more injuries this season, Agger now looks unlikely to play 30 games for the third time in his five full seasons at Liverpool.

There has often been uncertainty surrounding Agger’s injuries, be it unfair rumours about his personal life, or him returning from international duty to be out for an unspecified length of time. At the time of writing, it is rumoured that Agger will return to the Liverpool team to face Braga in the second leg of the Europa League last 32, after already missing several games under Dalglish through illness. Also, today it has been confirmed that Agger will be in the Denmark squad for the upcoming international matches, something Liverpool fans will dread because of his history of returning from international duty injured.

Under Rafael Benitez, Agger was crucial to Liverpool’s style of play. The team generally pressed high up the pitch, so needed a defender with at least some pace and needed defenders who were comfortable on the ball for the possession football. In Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Agger often pushed forward with the ball, working well with the deep lying central midfielders, usually Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

With Roy Hodgson in charge, Liverpool abandoned the pressing game, opting for a rigid midfield 4 in front of the regular 4 defenders. Long balls up to Fernando Torres were encouraged and, unsurprisingly, results faltered. Despite certain quotes since being dismissed by the club, it was clear that Agger was far from happy under Roy Hodgson. Agger included, Liverpool’s best players were not suited to Hodgson’s small club tactics and it was a case of ‘the sooner the better’ for Hodgson’s sacking.

The return of Kenny Dalglish as manager brought a return to the Liverpool way. Passing football is now encouraged, rather than frowned upon, the opposition is pressurised, as opposed to being allowed time on the ball and, perhaps most importantly, the style of play suits Liverpool’s best players, instead of alienating them. When utilised as part of a four man defence under Dalglish, Agger is not only allowed to play the ball and start attacks from the back, he is encouraged to do so. When a 5-3-2 formation (or a variant of it) is adopted, Agger benefits further, playing as a spare player at the back when Liverpool are in possession and utilising his offensive skills. This is something which is particularly beneficial at Anfield when teams play for a 0-0 draw. The first goal against Stoke City in February came from a free kick won following one of Agger’s many forays forward with the ball.

The addition of Andy Carroll could also bring out the best in Agger. As mentioned earlier, long balls under Roy Hodgson were aimed at Fernando Torres or David Ngog, neither of whom is suited to that style of play. However, Agger is capable of playing accurate long passes, opposed to the ‘hit and hope’ long balls from other defenders. Accurate long passes to Andy Carroll would be useful as an extra option for Liverpool, without having to be the preferred style of play. If the opposition chose to push up, Suarez’s pace would be more of a threat. Sit back and Carroll can be given the ball in more dangerous areas and Agger would have more space to move into from the back.

Liverpool’s squad needs strengthening further, but a ball playing central defender would be one of the more crucial additions. In what he can offer from centre back, Daniel Agger is unique in the current crop. Carragher, Skrtel and Kyrgiakos all have their strengths, but none of them are as confident and capable in possession as Agger, who also offers more ‘balance’ in being left footed. Danny Wilson has had a few games and could possibly offer something similar to Agger, but is clearly one for the future, not right away.

Clearly, Liverpool are a much better team when Daniel Agger plays, so he should be a first choice in the centre of defence at the moment. However, because Agger offers so much, his absence is felt much more than that of other players. From full back, Fabio Aurelio is a strong passer of the ball and clever going forward, but also suffers too much from injuries. However, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly can also provide attacking intent from this position, so he is not as badly missed.

The ball playing defender is integral to Liverpool’s style of play, allowing better possession, more attacking football and more effective high pressing (if the ball is won high up the pitch, the defender can actually use it). With Agger being injured so often though, and at 26 showing no signs of staying fit for a full season, somebody new needs to come in. Playing two central defenders comfortable on the ball works well for Barcelona, but they are a phenomenon. Should Liverpool choose to play Agger alongside this suggested new signing, it could mean the end for Jamie Carragher, which would have repercussions itself. Another option would be to have Agger as back up but, approaching the prime of his career, he is unlikely to settle for that. Liverpool’s new owners are also well known for their dislike of overpaid, underused players, and would presumably be against Agger collecting around £60,000 per week to sit on the bench. The only remaining option would be to sell Agger.

Admittedly, selling Agger would be controversial. After all, he is a quality player who adds something that others in the Liverpool squad cannot and is well recognised in Europe as a fine defender. However, his transfer value, and his input to the Liverpool team, drops with every injury he picks up. Buying a defender who can do the same, very valuable job and be available for the majority of games would be Liverpool’s best option. Unfortunately for Agger, this could mean him leaving, not because he isn’t good enough, but because he is too good to keep.

http://kopthat.co.uk/?p=845819307

he agrees wth you.....

[Rudo]

What age is the Agger now? 27/28? he's been at Liverpool a fair few years.

[red g]

What age is the Agger now? 27/28? he's been at Liverpool a fair few years.

Only 26, best years ahead of him if he can sort out his injuries

[Shaggy]

He's a young 26.

[Angryred]

In the 2006 January transfer window, Daniel Agger moved to Liverpool from Brondby for what was a club record fee for a defender, at £5.8m. Agger made his Liverpool debut that February against Birmingham City, a match which also saw the ‘second coming’ of Robbie Fowler. However, the Dane was limited to just 4 appearances for his new club that season due to injury.

Agger forced his way into the team during his first full season at Liverpool. Sami Hyypia, who had made 57 appearances in the previous season, played just 29 times, compared to Agger’s 43, as Liverpool made it to their second Champions League final in three years. However, in the years since, injuries have restricted Agger to less playing time, with 6 appearances in 07/08, 26 in 08/09 and 36 in 09/10. These numbers suggested progress, but with more injuries this season, Agger now looks unlikely to play 30 games for the third time in his five full seasons at Liverpool.

There has often been uncertainty surrounding Agger’s injuries, be it unfair rumours about his personal life, or him returning from international duty to be out for an unspecified length of time. At the time of writing, it is rumoured that Agger will return to the Liverpool team to face Braga in the second leg of the Europa League last 32, after already missing several games under Dalglish through illness. Also, today it has been confirmed that Agger will be in the Denmark squad for the upcoming international matches, something Liverpool fans will dread because of his history of returning from international duty injured.

Under Rafael Benitez, Agger was crucial to Liverpool’s style of play. The team generally pressed high up the pitch, so needed a defender with at least some pace and needed defenders who were comfortable on the ball for the possession football. In Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Agger often pushed forward with the ball, working well with the deep lying central midfielders, usually Javier Mascherano and Xabi Alonso.

With Roy Hodgson in charge, Liverpool abandoned the pressing game, opting for a rigid midfield 4 in front of the regular 4 defenders. Long balls up to Fernando Torres were encouraged and, unsurprisingly, results faltered. Despite certain quotes since being dismissed by the club, it was clear that Agger was far from happy under Roy Hodgson. Agger included, Liverpool’s best players were not suited to Hodgson’s small club tactics and it was a case of ‘the sooner the better’ for Hodgson’s sacking.

The return of Kenny Dalglish as manager brought a return to the Liverpool way. Passing football is now encouraged, rather than frowned upon, the opposition is pressurised, as opposed to being allowed time on the ball and, perhaps most importantly, the style of play suits Liverpool’s best players, instead of alienating them. When utilised as part of a four man defence under Dalglish, Agger is not only allowed to play the ball and start attacks from the back, he is encouraged to do so. When a 5-3-2 formation (or a variant of it) is adopted, Agger benefits further, playing as a spare player at the back when Liverpool are in possession and utilising his offensive skills. This is something which is particularly beneficial at Anfield when teams play for a 0-0 draw. The first goal against Stoke City in February came from a free kick won following one of Agger’s many forays forward with the ball.

The addition of Andy Carroll could also bring out the best in Agger. As mentioned earlier, long balls under Roy Hodgson were aimed at Fernando Torres or David Ngog, neither of whom is suited to that style of play. However, Agger is capable of playing accurate long passes, opposed to the ‘hit and hope’ long balls from other defenders. Accurate long passes to Andy Carroll would be useful as an extra option for Liverpool, without having to be the preferred style of play. If the opposition chose to push up, Suarez’s pace would be more of a threat. Sit back and Carroll can be given the ball in more dangerous areas and Agger would have more space to move into from the back.

Liverpool’s squad needs strengthening further, but a ball playing central defender would be one of the more crucial additions. In what he can offer from centre back, Daniel Agger is unique in the current crop. Carragher, Skrtel and Kyrgiakos all have their strengths, but none of them are as confident and capable in possession as Agger, who also offers more ‘balance’ in being left footed. Danny Wilson has had a few games and could possibly offer something similar to Agger, but is clearly one for the future, not right away.

Clearly, Liverpool are a much better team when Daniel Agger plays, so he should be a first choice in the centre of defence at the moment. However, because Agger offers so much, his absence is felt much more than that of other players. From full back, Fabio Aurelio is a strong passer of the ball and clever going forward, but also suffers too much from injuries. However, Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly can also provide attacking intent from this position, so he is not as badly missed.

The ball playing defender is integral to Liverpool’s style of play, allowing better possession, more attacking football and more effective high pressing (if the ball is won high up the pitch, the defender can actually use it). With Agger being injured so often though, and at 26 showing no signs of staying fit for a full season, somebody new needs to come in. Playing two central defenders comfortable on the ball works well for Barcelona, but they are a phenomenon. Should Liverpool choose to play Agger alongside this suggested new signing, it could mean the end for Jamie Carragher, which would have repercussions itself. Another option would be to have Agger as back up but, approaching the prime of his career, he is unlikely to settle for that. Liverpool’s new owners are also well known for their dislike of overpaid, underused players, and would presumably be against Agger collecting around £60,000 per week to sit on the bench. The only remaining option would be to sell Agger.

Admittedly, selling Agger would be controversial. After all, he is a quality player who adds something that others in the Liverpool squad cannot and is well recognised in Europe as a fine defender. However, his transfer value, and his input to the Liverpool team, drops with every injury he picks up. Buying a defender who can do the same, very valuable job and be available for the majority of games would be Liverpool’s best option. Unfortunately for Agger, this could mean him leaving, not because he isn’t good enough, but because he is too good to keep.

http://kopthat.co.uk/?p=845819307

he agrees wth you.....

Rudo, can you read?

[Rudo]

26, jeeh oh.

I always think certain footballers are alot older than they are because it seems they've been around for a life time.

[Angryred]

26, jeeh oh.

I always think certain footballers are alot older than they are because it seems they've been around for a life time.

Aye, Like Spearing as mentioned in his thread!

[Reece]

DavePaylor Dave Paylor
by TheKopMagazine
Last six games without Agger: W1 D3 L2 Last six games with Agger: W6 D0 L0 - all clean sheets. #LFC

[RedReet]

He's a young 26.

I like that. Hope we're saying the same at 33/34.

[Exiled_red]

DavePaylor Dave Paylor
by TheKopMagazine
Last six games without Agger: W1 D3 L2 Last six games with Agger: W6 D0 L0 - all clean sheets. #LFC

[yamiedo]

Good article on Agger's importance to Liverpool.

http://www.thisisanfield.com/2011/03/daniel-agger-a-diamond-in-the-lfc-rejuvenation/

[dww]

To be honest I think Arn identified the importance of Agger and Alonso to us in terms of playing out from deep areas several years ago and we haven't really replaced Alonso, putting the onus even more on Agger.

Johnson also seems to improve in terms of bringing the ball out when he has a footballing option inside him.