RUMOURS

There were a lot of rumours surrounding the future of defender Martin Skrtel at Liverpool. He apparently fell out with manager Brendan Rodgers after the January transfer window of last year.

He played very little football in the second half of last campaign and was widely expected to leave the club in the summer. However, he has stayed at Merseyside much too many be surprised. Even though the club signed a number of defenders like Sakho, who will be potential competition for Skrtel, the defender has said that he will now remain at Anfield and fight for his place.

The retirement of Jamie Carragher has seen Rodgers rely mostly on Skrtel this campaign. The defender played in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle during the weekend and it was the second successive match that the Slovakian played for Liverpool. Rodgers has been utilising a back three formation of Skrtel, Sakho, and Kolo Toure. It has worked the brilliant effect because Liverpool have been extremely good in the opening seven matches of the season. They have managed to stay just a few points away from the top of the table.

This has renewed hope amongst Liverpool fans that they will finally be able to finish in the top four after more than four years.

“After last season when I couldn’t get into the team, this season has been very different so far. I am very happy. I am playing every game and trying to do my best for the team. Now I have to try to stay in the starting XI. It’s up to me to keep proving to the manager that I deserve a place. There is real competition for places at the back but that’s good for everybody. It’s important because it pushes everyone to do better," said the defender.