I've seen a raft of posts on both forum and official site alike nominating the likes of Lucas, Kuyt and Suarez for player of the season, and whilst I agree that the trio have been outstanding, particularly in the latter half of the season (only in the latter half, in the case of Suarez for obvious reasons), there is one name that has gone unmentioned: Martin Skrtel.
The man played every minute of every league match for Liverpool this season and despite not having the best defensive record in the league this year, we have conceded fewer goals than both Arsenal and Spurs - both finishing above us. Under Hodgson, yes, the defence was pretty poor and we leaked goals, frequently losing 2 or 3 rather than the 1 it might have been in previous, more successful, seasons.
The second half, though, has seen a sudden turnaround with 8 clean sheets in the last 16 games since January, including games against Chelsea and Manchester City.
OK, you might say Reina has had a bigger hand in keeping those clean sheets, but I think Martin is missing out on the recognition he deserves, even if it is more for his commitment to play every game, and with hindsight I can't recall too many, if any at all, noticeably poor performances from him.
Over the past couple of years his positional play and heading has definitely improved, while his tackling has always been a strong point. He needs to learn not to pull shirts in the box a little more, but to be honest most top defenders seem to do, and get away with, it a lot these days. Or maybe we just notice it more because of all the camera angles and replays.
Anyway, I'm not saying he should be a dead cert for the prize, but like Lucas and Kuyt, he's just been there for us through the ups and the downs this season and I'm just throwing his name in there as I feel he does deserve at least some recognition for his efforts and performances, and whilst Suarez has simply dazzled with electrifying skills, never underestimate the grafter. The ever-dependable fail-safe.
Player of the Season
posted on 23/5/11
I have always felt that Skrtel has been wrongly treated this season. He isn't any Daniel Agger, but is a no nonsense player and has formed a great partnership with Jamie. We have only conceded less goals then the top current top three, and Skrtel has featured in all of these 14 clean sheets. I feel he has been wrongly targeted by many fans.
posted on 23/5/11
He's a solid defender, and much more dependable than Daniel Agger. If there's one place you need consistency, it's with the central defending partnership, and Agger is injrued so much these days he's not worth his salt. I would definitely sell Agger this summer and maybe bring in a young lad from elsewhere, or use Daniel Ayala or Martin Kelly as backup for Carra-Skrtel
posted on 23/5/11
Agree with what THE-NEW- ... said.
posted on 23/5/11
Suarez would be my player of the year. I know he's only had half a season with us, but his performances have been in the main been sensational.
Skrtel has been consistant and deserves a pat on the back for playing every minute of every game, although it would have been interesting to see if that stat would have been applicable id Agger had been fit.
When fit this season Agger was superb and added another dimension with his ability to come forward with the ball at feet and his excellent distribution. If would be awful if his career is blighted by injury because the lad has serious ability.
posted on 23/5/11
Oh I agree, Agger is probably a better player, but he's ludicrously unreliable. Needs to get fit or get out to be honest, he's been like it for years now. Must be getting paid a fair whack
posted on 23/5/11
Agger looks good coming forward - in the past I thought I'd like to see him in a Beckenbauer/ sweeper/libero role but don't know that we could accommodate that in the current set-up. It's a pity he's injured so much, I'm afraid it may well jeapordize his career.
I thought Skrtel was good when he arrived - then after injury he struggled for a while. I'm glad he seems to be getting it back.
posted on 23/5/11
Meireles has my vote for MOTY by a country mile. Johnson, who I've slagged off more than any of the team has improved, I suspect thanks in no small measure to Steve Clarke. Skrtel for me, sorry, just isn't good enough to wear a Red shirt. Agger and Aurelio are each too tempremental and injury-prone. Carra's best days are behind him. We have youth coming through who have lit the sky with their running, enthusiam, skill, tenacity. Therefore (I appreciate this is not what the post was addressing) we need to advance Danny Wilson RB. Kelly to CB, Flanagan RB, Jack Robinson LB, and let Damien fill in the blanks
posted on 23/5/11
we need to advance Danny Wilson RB. Kelly to CB, Flanagan RB, Jack Robinson LB, and let Damien fill in the blanks
-------------------------
From what I've seen so far, Danny Wilson has a lot of improving to do before he's ready. Defenders don't tend to bloom in their late 20's, no their late teens. He almost single handedly cost us the game against West Ham with his poor decisions and positioning, and we can't afford those mistakes in such a high-pressure season. I personally like Skrtel, he's a decent player and without him we've not got the height or strength at the back. Kelly, maybe, Flanagan, perhaps, and Jack Robinson on the fringes at best. This isn't the time for building for the future, this is the time for having our best XI out there for 30-35 games of the season and trying to get back in that top 4.
posted on 24/5/11
Mighty red - gotta disagree, sorry, I think it should be about building for the future. I honestly think that we need to concentrate our resourced on wingers. Right back and left back are sorted. Kelly was superb before his injury and Johnson has arguably done bettet at LB than RB. Flanno has earned the back up right back space and based on his appearance so far young Robinson should get the back up left back spot. How many other left backs have coped with Walcott and Arshavin as well as Robbo did.
posted on 24/5/11
Skrtel gets slated for making the same mistakes Carragher makes and isnt slated for.
However Lucas for player of the season for me, no contest. He was the only player that looked ok during the Hodgson month.