Liverpool need to hold onto Skrtel

It’s safe to say that Martin Skrtel enjoyed a successful season with Liverpool last year. Despite their poor league form, the Slovenia international still picked up a Carling Cup winners medal and was named Fans Player of the Year. Unsurprisingly, his performances have seen his stock rise considerably, with Manchester City believed to be interested in the centre-back.

Furthermore, Skrtel is thought to be considering his options at Anfield following the poor Premier League campaign. A change in manager, even if he is accepting of Brendan Rodgers’ style of coaching, would’ve furthered his hesitancy to remain at Anfield. Skrtel has admitted that he wants to remain with Liverpool, insisting he has two years to remain on his contract.

The news will come as a boost to Rodgers, who on Monday confessed the burly defender isn’t for sale. Nevertheless, every player has his price and Skrtel’s doubtfulness over his long-term future at Liverpool will surely throw his into doubt. Interest is high across Europe in the 27-year-old, who has also seen defensive partner Daniel Agger wanted by Real Madrid following an impressive campaign alongside his team-mate.

His commitment to the club is pivotal to the long-term success of Liverpool. With Jamie Carragher now 34-years-old and Sebastien Coates anything but a finished product, it is important the Reds hold onto Skrtel and Agger in order to improve on their performance next season. The duo’s respective departures, should it come to fruition, could see a number of team-mates believe the club lacks ambition and, ultimately, a number of the Reds better players look to leave Anfield.