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Thommo bemoans Skrtel loss

Published by Zac Lee Rigg on October 11, 2008

Phil Thompson knows a thing or two about defending. As a player he marshaled the defence for over a decade.

Then, as Assistant Manager under Gerard Houllier, he learned all he needed to know about defensive football.

Now the former center back has come out with high praise for defender Martin Skrtel. The Slovak injured himself against Manchester City and isn’t expected to return until Christmas, a blow for Skrtel who had played himself into a starting role next to Jamie Carragher.

“I just love Skrtel,” said Thompson according to Liverpoolfc.tv.

“He has made a real impression at the club. People talk about Fernando Torres, but this lad could be a real gem.

“It’s how he plays the game which impresses me. No matter if we’re playing Stoke City or Manchester United, he gives everything he has in terms of commitment and passion.

“He’s good in the air, quick, strong and he doesn’t hold any of his opponents in high esteem. He is there to win for the club and I think our fans have tapped into that.”

Thompson then talked a bit about possible replacements. Sami Hyypia is approaching a decade with the club, a length Thompson himself bettered, but Daniel Agger started consistently when he was last fit.

One of those two, Thompson argues, will be given the spot next to the automatic choice of Carragher.

“Whoever comes in will know they are replacing someone special who has built up a great understanding with Jamie Carragher,” he said.

“Sami Hyypia reads the game better than anybody at the club. He’s never been the quickest, but he’s been blessed with the ability to read football matches. In that respect he’s as good as Alan Hansen was.

“Daniel Agger is quicker with great ability and can step out and play good football.

“At the end of the day though you have to defend and that is why Jamie Carragher has been such a dominant figure in the team for such a long time.”

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