Skrtel Back, a Milestone for Carra, and Reina for Captain

By: Ed | May 5th, 2010

In case it’s not obvious, I’m really stretching for anything worth posting.

And almost disappointingly, the first news I read of the day is something that completely contradicts the narrative of “all Liverpool news is bad news.” Martin Skrtel, who’s been out since Liverpool’s trip to Bucharest in late February, has returned to full training with the squad. I can’t imagine that he’ll feature against Hull at the weekend, but it’s good news for a player that will no doubt be an important part of his country’s World Cup ambitions (not unlike another injured Liverpool star).

Unfortunately for Skrtel, this comes way too late in the season, but it makes him relevant again prior to what’s sure to be a busy offseason. Central defense is not an area in which Liverpool need to import much talent—Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger held steady during the last half of the season, at least until more injuries forced Agger to left back, Sotirios Kyrgiakos was an able-bodied fill-in, and we even caught another glimpse of Daniel Ayala in recent weeks.

The question with Skrtel, as with the rest of the back line at full fitness, is where he’ll fit when the 2010-2011 season rolls around. Carra’s probably got at least one more year in which he’s a no-doubter in the first eleven, Agger seems like one for the future in a couple different roles, and the younger talent (Martin Kelly, Ayala, etc.) will be pushing for time in the near future. Skrtel’s not quite as adaptable as the other names here—Stuart Downing is probably still haunting his dreams from his time at right back against Middlesborough—but doesn’t necessarily need to be. The Slovakian is a beast in the air and is steady enough to handle the most physical of strikers in the Premier League, but does lack in pace and has been inconsistent at times. I don’t think that he pushes Carra or Agger out of the starting eleven on form alone, and with Johnson and Insua (or a new face) looking like the first-choice partnership heading into next season, Skrtel might have to bide his time.

And speaking of Carra, it’s going to be down to the wire to see if he can displace Alan Hansen in the eighth spot for all-time appearances in league for Liverpool. Sunday would mark his 435th in league and 630th in total for the club, which is absolutely astounding. Regarding the injury, though, I’m still not certain as to how it happened. I know the reports say he turned an ankle, and that shortly thereafter Lampard notched Chelsea’s second, but beyond that I can’t remember any incidents of note. Of course, prior to the Lampard goal nearly all the action in the match was in the Liverpool box or thereabouts, so any number of scenarios could have played out.

Anyways, it’s time to cue the “in these times” soliloquy about Carragher and his commitment to the club. I know earlier in the season there were stories about his openness to playing somewhere else, and that may still happen down the road if opinions differ about his first-team capabilities, but it really is quite remarkable for such a talented player to show his type of loyalty to a club for such an extended period of time. To make 630 appearance in one shirt is a milestone by any standard, but to do it with the level of passion and pride that we see from him is truly outstanding.

As such, Carra has managed to make himself somewhat of an authority on the leadership and ethos of Liverpool. And for him, the captain for the future could be Pepe Reina (he also mentions Javier Mascherano, but that ruins my attention-grabbing title). I think most anybody who’s followed Liverpool at all this season would agree that Reina’s become one of, if not the best representatives for the club on the pitch, and his leadership apparently extends far beyond that.

Earlier in the season Reina made the rounds declaring his love for Liverpool—for the city, for the club, for the fans, for the history. And it never came across as inauthentic or forced, and he’s never played a minute that would contradict that image. Even in the fleeting moments when he appears disaffected (which I discussed here), you get the sense it’s not for lack of pride or trying. But even taking into account a bumpy campaign from Steven Gerrard, there’s little chance that we’d see Reina in a captain’s, or even vice-captain’s, role until either Gerrard or Carra leave the club through transfer or retirement.

Lastly, transfer news that indirectly involves Liverpool—Marouane Chamakh confirmed that he’s Arsenal-bound come season’s end. Liverpool were rumored to be in the running for the Bordeaux striker, which was also confirmed by Chamakh, but he chose North London as his English destination. More information on the transfer and reactions from the always most-excellent Martin at Arsenal Offside.

As I mentioned, the Chamakh transfer is indirect Liverpool news at best, but it serves as a good reminder that in a short time, there will be actual news about comings and goings. This one doesn’t see any personnel changes for the Reds, but given the amount of turmoil the club’s been through this season, something tells me those stories aren’t far off.

Some Related Liverpool Posts:

Category: Team News

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Grubb

I don't like the idea of selling Benayoun (the man who scored in BOTH legs of the Europa Cup semi final dammit - still can't believe that first one was disallowed) but the positive side to it is that I recall it being Russian clubs who were chasing his signature, and they tend to pay over the odds in terms of transfer fees and wages. I want my silver lining!
Ed

Thanks for the comment about the discussions, folks, I'm hopeful that can continue even through what will likely be a difficult offseason.

Really great questions from all, and by no means am I any sort of authority just because I was enough of a smartass to land this gig. But here's my thoughts:

On selling Torres, Gerrard, Kuyt, or Benayoun, I really struggle to see how that type of thing could happen domestically, or that it would happen with more than one of the "spine." I'd guess Yossi is the most likely, but as I've mentioned before, I really hope not, and he likely wouldn't fetch a huge fee. There's essentially going to be polarization here---"absolutely not under any circumstances," and "why not, the club could use the money." I honestly think it's all going to come down to ownership and investment (first no-brainer), which would ideally prevent the necessity of discussion. But that's in a perfect world, and we've learned that Liverpool are living in anything but.

I think it's far more likely (second no-brainer) that the players with lesser impact that Shazback noted (Aurelio, Degen, maybe Babel, Riera, duh) will be departing, which is what we've seen in the past few seasons under Rafa. I think some decent funds could be raised with this route, but if that's the way the transfer kit is stocked I have some major worries about the ability to get the "four or five" new players everyone thinks the club needs.
Shazback

It'll be interesting to see how the non-qualification for the Champions League affects the Liverpool squad. Whilst I don't expect a "major" departure (I think Rafa will stay on and tell Gerrard/Torres/Mascherano/Reina/Aquilani that he'll let them go the following season if Liverpool miss out on the CL again), I can't help but wonder how Rafa will cope with less funds.

Will he sell an "important but not vital" player like Kuyt or Benayoun, or will he let go quite a few cover players like Riera, Aurelio and Babel? Either way, there'll probably be little to invest back into the team, so he'll have to either shop around for discount deals or rely on the academy and reserves to provide cover in positions where he's let players go... It'll be an interesting summer for Liverpool, even if I don't think the spine of the squad will be changed.
Tom Foolery

Agree with Grubb on the quality of discussions found around here. On The Torres Dilemma...I guess it depends on who the club is sold to, and when it happens. And who knows what kinda plan they REALLY bring with them (pretty sure H&G were supposed to buy Snoogy Doogy...I for one am still waiting). Or, if the funds being invested by new owners goes mostly to building the stadium. Or, if they don't arrive til after the summer. Anyway, if Rafa doesn't have money to spend, I say sell him or Stevie (not domestically). Sorry, but 70mil could bring in 3 1/2 El Ninos (at his original price). Then if one Torres gets hurt, you've got 2 more on the bench and maybe keep that 1/2 in the reserves.
Grubb

PS can I please mention how refreshing it is to find intelligent Liverpool discussion somewhere on the internet. The club website forum is abysmal and most fan forums are equally terrible. Thumbs up to you!
Grubb

You are right about the quota restrictions Ed, we may well find Soto pushed out the door, particularly in favour of someone 'homegrown', I suspect this is where the Cahill rumours have come in. Ayala and Kelly still count as U21 and therefore give us satisfying depth without affecting our squad of 25.

Re Torres - would you forgive the club if we sold him? Would Stevie forgive the club? He clearly enjoys playing with him. Would we even be able to reinvest in the squad? Better to have him than to sell him, he's virtually irreplaceable in terms of goals per minutes.
Ed

I think you're drunk off the glory of the Champions League my large-headed friend.

If Torres does go, I think it'd have to take boatloads of cash for it to happen, especially domestically. I can't see Liverpool selling him in general, but especially to anyone in the Premier League. And your brother-in-law sounds like an idiot.

Regarding Skrtel et al., I agree about the necessary depth, Grubb. I wonder how the new 25 player limit might affect this, though---won't allow for stockpiling in any certain position, and I think it's where versatility will play an important role.
Wes

I kind of hope it goes through, and they make a play for Lady Donovan with some of the money..so I have a built in Christmas gift for my bro-in-law of the same surname..
Wes

So, what of the rumors of Torres to Chelsea for 70 million? The better to overhaul the side with or is Torres worth more to Liverpool than can be gained?
Grubb

Just the fact that we have needed Daniel Ayala this season has demonstrated that CB is a physical position where injuries commonly occur. Skrtel is probably 3rd on the list behind Carra and Agger, but ahead of Soto and Ayala. I reckon we need this kind of depth. Also it must speak volumes about youngsters Ayala and Martin Kelly that management let Jack Hobbs go a few seasons ago after some fine displays. The future is bright and red, at least at centre back ;-)
steven.

Carra has been a fantastic servant and deserves to hit this milestone .. good news that Skertel is back as well .. i agree that he'll have to work very hard to displace Agger but i think they'll be some insomnia among EPL center forwards just thinking about the big Slovakian ..