Kenny Dalglish praises Jamie Carragher's influence on Liverpool defensive duo Martin Skrtel & Daniel Agger

The Scot believes the 33-year-old former England international's ability is rubbing off on his current centre defence pairing, but insists they were always capable

21 Dec 2011 07:06:00

By Ryan Benson

More On :  Liverpool, Martin Skrtel, Jamie Carragher, Kenny Dalglish, Daniel Agger
EPL - Aston Villa vs Liverpool, Martin Skrtel
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Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has praised Jamie Carragher’s influence on central defensive pairing Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel after a solid beginning to the season.

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In 16 league matches this season, Liverpool have conceded just 13 goals, better than any other team in the Premier League, with Agger and Skrtel starting a combined total of 25 fixtures.

Despite managing nine starts this season, Carragher has struggled to solidify a place in the starting XI, but Dalglish is convinced he is still having an effect, particularly on those in his place.

Speaking to reporters, Dalglish said: “I don't think they have ever looked a bad pair but the both of them are playing very well.

“They know how to play. Jamie being beside them when they came in at first has been a fantastic help to them, as he has been for a lot of people here.

“You can't under-play what Jamie has done for the two of them but they are more than capable of standing on their own two feet.

“Competition is always helpful but it is not as though the two boys are novices, they are seasoned international players and Daniel is going to Euro 2012 [with Denmark].”

Dalglish has also been pleased with his defenders' eagerness to get forward and attack, particularly on corners as Agger tried his luck and Skrtel scored versus Aston Villa.

He continued: “As soon as we lose the ball we start defending together and when we have it everyone can go forward if they want.

“Daniel Agger got forward a couple of times on Sunday [in 2-0 win at Aston Villa] and Martin scored a goal.

“They have been good defensively but they have been good in attack as well.”

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