I've been having alot of thoughts about our center backs during this season, and I think we are weak in that department. I'm sure stu or any other member brougth up this notion about being weak in that area, and I have to say we look weaker and conceding silly goals from set pieces and defencive errors. I don't think zonal marking is a huge issue to our problem in defence, as in the zonal marking thread before many explained that the zonal system was the best and provided in depth analysis on it, which was good. The main point is here, that 3 years ago we had one of the best and meanest defence in the league, using this system, why? because we had a fantastic back four of Riise (on form) Carragher Hyppia and Finann. Carragher and Hyppia got the best out of each other on the field, one being the sweeper type (carra) the other being the arielly dominant (Hyppia), which helped alot in defending set pieces, because we had Hyppia who won first headers and just dominated in the air. Plus Hyppia was at his prime and was a top player.
Now 3 years forward, we are having problems winning first headers, challenging big tall strikers and defending set pieces. Its because our current center backs (bar Hyppia) are vulnrable in the air and are not considered to be top players IMO.
Let me start with Carragher, as much as I love this man, he gave it all and will always do his utmost best for the team, he, on the other hand is ageing, weaking some of his few abilities he had 3 years ago, he isn't the same type of player this season like he was in 2005/2006. Still, he plays with his Heart and commits 100% on the field. He does compliment well with very good players around him, but a player like Dossenna in the same backfour will never get the best out of him.
Agger, on the ground he is fantastic, he has really good distribution of the ball and defencively sound makes him a really good footballer. However he still has his limitations, he is poor in the air, doesn't win first headers and gets caught ball watching a couple of times. Drogba gave him a beating at stamford bridge.
Skrtel, not convinced about him, looks like a solid player, mean, aggressive and top tackle. Thats about it. His concentration, decision making is average, actually his concentration is poor, he always get caught ball watching and makes too many mistakes in games. He would be a great backup because I prefer Carragher and Agger over him. It also shows how weak our center backs are if we have carragher and agger pairing.
Hyppia, top player, LFC legend, he has been a rock for us this season when he player, but I do fear this is his last season with us
Finally, with Agger's future being uncertain, I think one of our main priority next season is to buy a top quality center back, who has about everything and compliments a player like Carragher, Skrtel and Agger.
Who would fit the bill? any suggestions?