Does Agger have a point?

From today’s Guardian:


Daniel Agger has criticised the Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson’s tactics, according to reports. The Danish defender, who was a late substitute in Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Manchester United at Old Trafford, was quoted as saying on a Danish television programme: “The manager has a philosophy that we’re playing football further up the pitch and then you have to play a different kind of football at the back.”

According to the Daily Express, Agger continued: “That’s not my style. That’s not the type of football player I am. I like to keep the ball on the ground. And I’m going to keep doing that. Whether he’ll use me or not, time will tell.

“I guess I’ll try to change even though I’m not going to be the player that unloads the ball every single time I get it. I’ll fight for my chance. I’ll get the chance. I know what I represent and I think he [Hodgson] knows that.”

Agger was reported to have repeated his view on another Danish TV programme, saying: “Our play has changed, so I’ll have to adjust a bit. But to be honest, I’m not going to adjust 100%. I’m a footballer who keeps the ball on the floor. I’m here to play, not to unload.”


Since the arrival of Paul Konchesky, Agger has found himself behind Martin Skrtel as Jamie Carragher’s preferred partner in the centre of defence.

The differences between Skrtel and Agger are clear for all to see; one is a ball playing, Alan Hansen-esque type defender, capable of bringing the ball out from the back and starting attacks; while the other is an old fashioned rugged, physical defender whose qualities are less creative.

Many supporters see the preference for Skrtel over Agger as synonymous with Hodgson’s new style, a style that has seen Liverpool struggle to show any creativity in many of their games under the new manager so far.

So, does Agger have a point? Or is Hodgson’s preference for Skrtel merely because he and Carragher started the season together when Agger was required at left back?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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