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With Monaco aiming to become the next big football powerhouse, Liverpool need to resist the temptation to sell their Danish centerback for big money if they are planning on challenging for the Champions League places over the next few years.
Keeping Daniel Agger
Considering we had to bring Jamie Carragher, a retiring centerback in preference to younger options in Uruguayan defender Coates and the Slovakian Skrtel, it is vital for Liverpool to retain the services of Daniel Agger in order to maintain stability at the back, in addition to stopping the mass exodus of top quality players from Anfield.
Agger is one of the best central defenders that Liverpool will be able to find. Not only is he a no-nonsense tackler, but he oozes class and is among a select few top defenders capable of the passing game, in addition to unleashing ferocious shots from outside the box. His marking sometimes leaves much to be desired, but Liverpool won’t be able to sign another defender as solid as Daniel Agger if they decide to sell him. The fact that there is uncertainty over the futures of Coates and Skrtel, in addition to the rumours circulating about Suarez, means keeping Agger is a priority for the Reds this summer window.
One must not forget that his versatility also means that we can play him at central defensive midfielder, in addition to putting him out at leftback, plugging gaps in the Liverpool backline.
Unless you talk about crazy money in the region of 27-32 million pounds, I don’t think Liverpool should even consider the prospect of losing their Danish centerback this summer. The Dane featured in 51 of Liverpool’s games in the previous term – and one would think that he should stay longer if Liverpool are to challenge for the Champions League places once again.
The Second Slot
Now, there are lots of rumours circulating regarding who will play alongside Agger (most likely) next season. Skrtel is seemingly set to leave the Merseyside outfit, and I reckon Coates will stay because he has age on his side – something that bodes well for the Rodgers and FSG philosophy.
The few candidates that are being looked at are seemingly Lyon’s Dejan Lovren and Sporting Lisbon’s Tiago Ilori. What’s interesting is that both are young, speedy and ball playing defenders – much like Daniel Agger. Whether the motive behind it is to replace Daniel Agger remains up in the air, but both are really exciting prospects.
Ilori is said to play like Thiago Silva – but has the tenacity and speed of Real Madrid talent Raphael Varane. Lovren is renowned for his passing ability and aerial ability at the back, although his disciplinary track record isn’t too pleasing on the eye. Both are quality, and would turn the Liverpool team into a team which is capable of comfortably passing at any area of the ball park.
The Situation Regarding our Strikers
From my point of view, there is no point keeping Suarez – especially if the argument for keeping Suarez is because Sturridge is set to bring the start of the season with injury. It has to be remembered that Suarez, too, will miss the opening games of the season because he is still serving a suspension from his part in the Ivanovic biting.
Whilst I don’t mind if he stays either – he is that great of a talent – his heart quite simply isn’t at Liverpool. He wants to get away from the English media to a new setting. I know very well that the Uruguayan is more than capable of playing under scrutiny from the media – given he has done this for the past year or so now, but this may be the best time for Liverpool to cash in on the striker.
Coming towards the peak of his footballing powers, it might be better if Liverpool get away from the rollercoaster ride that is Luis Suarez’s on-field antics. After all, his next suspension will be a hefty one given his personal disciplinary track record.
In my opinion, Aspas isn’t the answer to our problems in Liverpool’s current situation. Liverpool need a proven goal scorer and creator who can deliver goals as well. In my opinion, Liverpool should make an enquiry about Juan Mata. Mourinho has reportedly given the green light for Chelsea to sell Mata (and Fernando Torres), and I think he would be perfect in the hole right behind Daniel Sturridge.
Another goal scoring forward is required, and only time will tell who that forward is – if Suarez leaves in the summer.
