Rafa Benitez has somewhat of a headache ahead of the crucial quarter final second leg tie with Benfica at Anfield on Thursday.
First-choice left back Emiliano Insua is suspended following his booking in the first leg. With the only other first team left-back Fabio Aurelio out injured, and Andrea Dossena having returned to Italy in January, Benitez will be forced to field somebody out of position in such a key game.
Who will deputise is a tough question.
The obvious candidate is Mr Versatile Jamie Carragher, who made the left back spot his own in the memorable 2000/01 campaign, keeping some of the best wingers in Europe quiet. But Carra has admitted himself he no longer enjoys playing full-back, not that that stopped Rafa playing him at right-back in Glen Johnson’s absence earlier in the year.
If Carra does play left back, Sotirios Krygiakos will partner Daniel Agger in the centre of defence, with Martin Skrtel sidelined through injury until late April. The fact Soto started the Birmingham match gives an indication of Benitez’s intent to use the Big Greek.
Another option available is to play Agger himself at left back, with Soto and Carragher in the middle. Many fans have mentioned Agger as a left back, seeing as he possesses one of the best left pegs in the business and is capable of getting forward from the back.
Somewhat ironically, the only other recognised left back in the Reds’ European squad is 21 year old Robbie Threlfall – who is currently on loan to League Two side Bradford City!
Another option of course is Glen Johnson, who you may remember actually made his Liverpool debut at left-back against St. Gallen in a pre-season friendly last summer. Of course, that though would solve one problem and create another.
Who would get nod for you? Our money is on Carra…
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