Skrtel determined to build on shutout
The Slovakia centre-back is likely to retain his place in the Liverpool side that entertains Fulham tonight but admits helping the side keep their first clean sheet since December 6 at Wolves on Saturday has given him a timely boost.
Skrtel has put in a couple of shaky performances in recent weeks against the likes of Blackpool and Everton but with Jamie Carragher set to return from a dislocated shoulder in the coming weeks, Sotirios Kyrgiakos waiting in the wings, centre-back Martin Kelly excelling on the right and youngster Danny Wilson not even getting close to the squad, he knows he cannot afford to let his standards slip.
“I have played in almost every game this season and each time I always try to do my best for the team,” he said.
“I know I have made a few mistakes and haven’t always played well, but I don’t know any player who doesn’t make a mistake so I just try to do my best.
“It’s important to keep playing well because we have a good squad and there is strong competition for places.
“I think that is a good thing because everyone has to work hard and make it hard for the manager when it comes to who he will pick in his team.”
Kenny Dalglish has made some big decisions since taking over from Roy Hodgson just over a fortnight ago, some of them concerning the back four.
He has installed Kelly on the right in all his four matches in charge and been rewarded with some impressive performances, while he has opted to play England international Glen Johnson out of position on the left rather than Fabio Aurelio or Hodgson’s signing Paul Konchesky – who has made just one of his squads as an unused substitute.
Further up the field Dalglish has started to get the best out of Raul Meireles in an advanced midfield role, while striker Fernando Torres’ form appears to be back on track.
Everything came together for Liverpool to record only their third away league victory in 13 months at Molineux on Saturday and confidence, which had fallen so low under Hodgson, is returning to the squad.
Dalglish played down his part in that, shifting all the plaudits on to the players.
“When things aren’t going as well as they could do for a football club and for individuals, it’s very difficult to turn it around,” said Dalglish, who will welcome captain Steven Gerrard back to the team tonight after completing his suspension. “But they’ve turned it around and it’s great credit to them.”
Another man hoping to make an impression at Anfield tonight is new Fulham signing Steve Sidwell.
He has revealed his relief at finally becoming a Fulham player as he prepares for what could be his full debut at Liverpool.
Former Chelsea and Reading playmaker Sidwell’s move from Aston Villa to Craven Cottage became a real saga, with the 28-year-old having looked set to join them last summer.
The move finally went through last week and Sidwell could not be happier.
“The move was a long time coming really, because I was hoping to come here in the summer, but for a few reasons it didn’t happen.
“A fee was agreed but, when Roy Hodgson left, suddenly everything was a bit up in the air.
“That’s what happens when you get a change of personnel.
“I’m really pleased that it was something that the club looked at again and I’m delighted to finally be a Fulham player,” he said.
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