It’s that time of the year when every fan or as a matter of fact anyone remotely associated with a football club picks up his calculator and starts predicting how the premier league standings would shape up come May the 13th ! And why not? It’s what I call the "Scoping - End" of the season, as important as the business end if not more!
As United conceded six goals against Manchester City last weekend, it was perhaps not surprising that Sir Alex Ferguson's priority on Saturday for Manchester United was defence.United sacrificed some of their attacking instincts to gain a defender's favorite result of 1-0 against Everton at Goodison Park - and took their first steps to reducing the alarming number of chances they have granted this season.
If only the same could be said of Chelsea, who let five in against Arsenal in an eight-goal thriller at Stamford Bridge.
It was the latest in a bizarre run of results that has seen the Premier League's top teams toss away their usual cautiousness against each other and serve up a feast of goals. It was more of a "schoolboy team" performance by the premier league big boys.
The Premier League this year has seen many new exciting (aka attacking) talents grace the English game. There is a reason why I say attacking talent and not just talent because using only the word talent generalizes the scenario which is clearly not the case here! Attacking Talents in the form Luis Suarez - 23 mil, David Silva -25 mil, Sergio Aguero - 38 mil , Juan Mata - 30 mil etc have taken the Premier League by a storm. On the other hand if I talk about defensive talents this season? Can I think of someone? Let’s see David Luiz, Per Mertesacker maybe?
Even though these players are highly talented individuals but still haven't adapted very well to the premier league! I mean it’s no secret that David Luiz is still a bit shaky in defense, though he's carved a space (okay more than just a space) among the Chelsea faithful but he hasn’t impressed in the department where he's supposed to impress? Yes! Defense! I know there will be many Chelsea fans ready to slit my throat over the verdict but think for a minute, I think you are a better judge! The same thing is true for the big German, He was brought to stabilize the arsenal back 4 and was another big name signing, a proven defender with international pedigree, he was certain to "Outperform" but that’s not been the case.
The point is , The Premier League is a very difficult league for the attackers per say but it becomes an even more tougher league for the defenders , specially for defenders coming into the big 4 sides ! That is keeping in mind a season which has seen a rise in the number of goals scored and a goals-per-game ratio of 2.97 - the highest since the 1967/68 season. Clearly it is a difficult time being a defender in the English League!
It has been said "Strikers may win you games, but defenders win you the Championships"
The quote brings me to the central theme of my article on "Why a fully fit Daniel Agger is so crucial for Liverpool and the Premier League!"
Daniel Agger aka Dagger is reliability and class personified! He was on a record for not conceding a goal in over 631 minutes of football last season before injury struck. What Daniel Agger brings to the table is what money can't buy! He brings the much needed stability that every side craves for! Players like Agger are hard to find and even a fat cheque won't guarantee you stability and reliability like he does! The Great Dane matches Carragher's scouse fire with his ice like calmness on the football field. His Injury record is the one holding his greatness but if he manages to overcome his injury setbacks not only will he be lethal, he'll be Dane-gerous :)
Premier League Stats -2011/2012 Season
Player Goals Conceded Games Played Goals Conceded per Game
Daniel Agger 4 7 0.57
John Terry 15 10 1.50
Rio Ferdinand 9 6 1.50
Vincent Kompany 8 10 0.80
Laurent Koscielny 17 10 1.70
Clearly the stats show how well has agger performed in the beginning of this season, but this is only half the picture. What Agger also brings to the table is his aggressive and strategic approach to the game. It’s a benefit to have his type of a player for home games with lesser oppositions, where the visitors defend deeply to deny space. By stepping up into the midfield, he pushes the whole team forward, and can thread a good pass to the likes of Gerrard and Suarez whilst he’s there for good measure. As many people will argue that this is only the beginning of the season and it’s not fair to judge a player but Agger’s upturn of form recently is one that will not surprise many, given the undoubted quality of the left sided defender. Troublesome and niggling injuries have stopped Daniel from showcasing his best form in the past and treating Liverpool fans to his finest qualities, which are his hard as nails approach to games and also his excellent technique, not always two attributes typically packaged together with a defender.
A player like Daniel Agger is what the Premier League requires! Why? To balance this growing influx of attacking talent! The reason why I say - Daniel Agger and not any other name is because I cannot think of a better defender than Agger in the Premier League at the moment, it’s just that he is so complete in every footballing sense and there is no doubt that a fit, fighting and suitably tattooed Daniel Agger is crucial to the future of this Liverpool team. Kenny Dalglish certainly seems to rate the Great Dane, who really should never have had his ability questioned under the previous regime. It’s onwards and upwards for Agger and Liverpool now, as the Nordic centre-half looks to use his Viking talents to spearhead Liverpool to a new dawn.
Liverpool's No 5- "Dan the Man !"
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