Martin Skrtel

[Charly]

Its obvious that both Carra and Skrtel work with Agger, but not each other. They are too similar, and I think weak (or perhaps unopposing) in the air.

Centre backs need gel, and Agger clearly is the the sticky one (same as Hyypia. Could you see Henchoz and Carra being a solid partnership?)

[Shaggy]

Its obvious that both Carra and Skrtel work with Agger, but not each other. They are too similar, and I think weak (or perhaps unopposing) in the air.

Centre backs need gel, and Agger clearly is the the sticky one (same as Hyypia. Could you see Henchoz and Carra being a solid partnership?)

Completely agree, they work as pairs. Look at, say, Roger Johnson & Scott Dann when at Birmingham. I rated neither (we were linked with both) but they were undoubtedly an effective pair. They've since gone to other clubs and both had really **** seasons, exposed without each other.

[MrMichael]

Its obvious that both Carra and Skrtel work with Agger, but not each other. They are too similar, and I think weak (or perhaps unopposing) in the air.

Centre backs need gel, and Agger clearly is the the sticky one (same as Hyypia. Could you see Henchoz and Carra being a solid partnership?)

Absolutely

Skrtel was the only CB that competed with the Newcastle forwards, while the other CB just dropped off and let the attacker bring the ball down or lay it off unimpeded. It's a complete joke.

Odd, I could swear it was Skrtel who lost Cisse for their first goal, not Carra. I'd better get to specsavers.

[dww]

Completely agree, they work as pairs. Look at, say, Roger Johnson & Scott Dann when at Birmingham. I rated neither (we were linked with both) but they were undoubtedly an effective pair. They've since gone to other clubs and both had really **** seasons, exposed without each other.

I've often said similar things in the past. I'd go further though and suggest you have to look at the rest of the defence and when you play one the DM. Carragher is no longer mobile enough and playing him with attacking fullbacks and a wayward DM seems madness. He's not going to cover and Spearing isn't either - so there is always a gap to be exploited at the minute.

If we are going to play him it should be as part of a back 3 I think.

[BootRoom]

Odd, I could swear it was Skrtel who lost Cisse for their first goal, not Carra. I'd better get to specsavers.

Are you trying to suggest that, because Skrtel committed an error an lost his man in the box, it somehow invalidates how I characterised the general gameplay of both Skrtel and Carragher?

[BootRoom]

Its obvious that both Carra and Skrtel work with Agger, but not each other. They are too similar, and I think weak (or perhaps unopposing) in the air.

Centre backs need gel, and Agger clearly is the the sticky one (same as Hyypia. Could you see Henchoz and Carra being a solid partnership?)

How is it obvious that Carragher and Agger work?

Skrtel is the aggressive CB that attacks the ball and makes it difficult for the forward. If Skrtel loses out in the battle and play moves toward our goal, then the other CB covers, whether that be Carragher or Agger. Agger has got the legs to cover effectively, while Carragher hasn't.

If the ball is hoofed to the other CB's side, then Carragher or Agger have to fight for the ball. As I've said before, Carragher's game plan is basically to drop off and let the forward do what he want's with impunity. If it's Agger, he still has the physical stature and aggression to mix it with the forward.

With a Carragher & Agger partnership those defeciencies are still present - a very slow CB covering Agger that can't fight his own physical battles when the ball is played to his side.

[Mostar]

@SiClancy
Rumours in the 5LS office that Martin Skrtel has handed in a transfer request. Don't know how true.

[Lee]

That'd be a right kick in the teeth if true. Let's hope it isn't.

[McDermotX]

You'd think its unlikely..............disastrous if it was true.

Plastered all over new shirt ads etc etc etc.........smells like BS

[Mostar]

One of my worst fears if true.

Why?

Is it compensation? Team lack of success?

Or something else if there is any truth in those speculations..

[DannyMan2006]

What speculations Mos?

[Exiled_red]

Really hope it isn't true he's been one of our best players, and with Carragher past it and Agger prone to the odd injury he's become the lynchpin of our defence

[colin85]

Just went onto his website and saw this :

Fernando Torres - one of Martins best friends came back to Anfield Road.........

[Icon]

Because we played them last week..?

[colin85]

Yes, but one of his best friends.