Should Agger be a starter now?

[Howard_lfc]

I would be interested to see us try it - maybe in the cup. I personally don't like a back three and think that Finnan lacks the athleticism needed to be a regular wingback.

In my opinion a good wingback formation requires at least three specialist players - a sweeper and the two fullbacks. The roles are quite distinct from those of CB or fullback. I think that Agger would make a good sweeper and that Riise could do a job at left wingback, but it would take a long time to adapt to the new system. Although I might be interested to see it I think the time would be better spent getting a back four to play the zonal marking scheme as well as we had them doing it last season.

We spoke about it at lunchtime and also identified that Finnan wouldn't be comfortable with it.

[Parm]

Just talking about Agger in another thread and was looking at what games he's actaully started in - we have:

Liverpool 2 1 West Ham 26/08/2006
Chelsea 1 0 Liverpool 17/09/2006
Liverpool 2 0 Newcastle 20/09/2006
Liverpool 3 0 Tottenham 23/09/2006

All of those were good team performances, and we've only conceded two when he's started, one being that totaly unstopable Drogba strike at stamford bridge, which by the way was probably our most convincing away performance this season. The West Ham goal we conceded I can't recall off the top of my head, but he scored a tremendous goal the likes I don't think i've ever seen from a center back.

He came on v Arsenal when we were dead and buried but helped to shore up the defense and we didn't conceed any more when we really could have. He put in two very good performnaces in the Carling Cup, a goal and a clean sheet v Brum, and what was heading for a clean sheet v Reading till the team started to disintegrate.

In europe he played in the 0-0 draw away to PSV, which makes a change from us getting beat away from home.

So is that conclusive evidence that he should come into the team as of now?

yes./

[friedk]

last season we played 3-5-2 against Newcastle and played Sami-Carra-Agger; but I don't think Finnan played.

No he didn't http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=192487&cc=5739

it was a top class performance

[dww]

But the team was picked to combat specific strengths and weaknesses of the Newcastle team. We also no longer have anyone to take Finnans place on the right (except maybe Gerrard - not sure that would go down well at the minute) as Kromkamp did in that match.

[Red_Polo]

But the team was picked to combat specific strengths and weaknesses of the Newcastle team. We also no longer have anyone to take Finnans place on the right (except maybe Gerrard - not sure that would go down well at the minute) as Kromkamp did in that match.

Especially agree with the first bit. 3/5 at the back is not something that I can see Rafa ever switching us to for anything other than a few specific circumstances.

[friedk]

But the team was picked to combat specific strengths and weaknesses of the Newcastle team.

but that's rotation and surely that is wrong

[red g]

Agger has been our best defender this season by a distance

Agger has been our only defender this season!!!

[bazza76]

Agger has shown up two of the clubs legendary defenders this season, he is worth his place in the team. And i hope he keeps it with some good performances.

[bazza76]

IMO Rafa brings Sammi off in the second half against Arsenal is an indication that Agger could be starting alot more games than Sammi in the future, providing his performances are up to standard.

[red g]

Agger has shown up two of the clubs legendary defenders this season, he is worth his place in the team. And i hope he keeps it with some good performances.

I agree....and if Carragher gets any bloody worse would consider looking at paletta for an easy home game to,

[bobtkelpie]

With Sami and Carra both seeming to have taken a ride to CrapsVille, I can't see how introducing Agger at this point could be anything but good... It would give the lad a chance as well as showing Carra (who I rate, but has generally been ****e over the last few weeks) and Sami (legs aren't what they used to be) that they aren't automatic selections...

Agger and Carra to start?

[thesilverfoxlfc]

He should start but when he was injured Sami took his chance again and has played good if anyone was to be dropped it would be Carra on form, which is very strange whatever has happened to him this season.

[enema of the state]

yes

what liverpool has needed most over the last 3 1/ 2 years was to replace haman and hyppia with players who are as good and reliable but who have more athleticism.

its a difficult task which we have finally achieved in momo and agger. its time to back THEM, let sami go like didi has and get the next generation lined up

[kurtangle01]

He had better start today because if Sami plays against Yakabu, with all the pace he has, it's the stuff nightmares are made of.

[Los Rojos]

Agger should be a starter IMO, Hyypia is on a rapid decline and I was sceptical about playing him against Arsenal, but we could have lost either way.

I couldn't agree more. Sami's distribution and speed, while they were never that good, are getting worse.