Martin Skrtel optimistic — but what role does he have left to play at Liverpool?

Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has reflected on the club’s remarkable 2013/14 campaign with beaming positivity.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, May 11, 2014: Liverpool's Martin Skrtel throws his son Matteo up in the air after the final game of the Premiership season at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Martin Skrtel throws his son Matteo up in the air after the final game of the Premier League season at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The Reds finished second to oil-rich Manchester City and enjoyed an 11 match winning run in one of the Premier League‘s most exciting title races in it’s history.

“The record we had in the year, of winning 11 games in a row was amazing,” Skrtel told the club’s official website.

It was a roller-coaster of a year individually for Skrtel, who looked set to be sold last summer, but rejuvenated when given the chance to shine in the side.

Despite scoring four own goals during the campaign, Skrtel put in some outstanding performances in the heart of Liverpool’s constantly changing back line — also netting himself seven goals at the right end.

As well as impressive runs of form and blistering performances, the Reds turned over several of their rivals for the Champions League places on the way.

He continued, “We beat Arsenal 5-1, United 3-0 away from home and Tottenham 4-0 at Anfield. They were great results and great performances. I think the way we played this season was great and I’m just disappointed that we couldn’t win the league.

“It was a great experience for every single one of us. We’ve showed that we can be competitive with the big teams and I think that in the games we have played against the big teams, we have performed better.”

The Reds now break for the summer off the high of the sensational campaign and Skrtel believes next year teams will fear Liverpool as genuine title contenders.

He added, “I think that’s a good experience for next season. There will be bigger pressure on us, because other teams will be ready for Liverpool. But I think there’s quality in this team and that we can carry on this way for next season as well.”

With a big summer looming for Liverpool to bolster their squad from Premier League contenders to challenging on two-fronts with the return of Champions League football, fans have been discussing Skrtel’s future role at the club.

The defence leaked 50 goals during 2013/14, contributing to them narrowly missing out on the title. With Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson all turning 30 this year, could we be seeing a fresh defence come August?

How big a role does Skrtel have to play at Liverpool next season? Let us know in the comments section below.

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