Martin Skrtel has enjoyed a successful year for both club and country…
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been voted Slovakia’s Player of the Year, following a series of impressive performances.
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The 30-year-old has guided his country to an unbeaten start to their Euro 2016 campaign, winning five games out of five and conceding just two goals.
They currently sit above the likes of reigning champions Spain and tournament regulars Ukraine, having beaten both teams earlier in their campaign.
As the Liverpool Echo reports, Slovakia now have a huge chance to qualify for their first European Championships since gaining independence, with this being their sixth attempt.
This is the fifth time Skrtel has won the award, with the defender having also won it in 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. He has generally battled Napoli’s Marek Hamsik for the honour, with the forward also having won it four times.
Skrtel has also been an integral part of our side under Brendan Rodgers, most recently establishing himself as our prime defensive leader at the heart of our 3-4-3 formation.
He played a major role in guiding us to second place in the Premier League last season, and has helped us adjust to the loss of veteran players such as Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger.
Speaking about the award, Skrtel is quoted by the Echo as saying: “It was one of the best years for me, maybe even the best in my career so I am really happy.
“I played regularly and even scored some goals. I had a great year in Liverpool and also with Slovakia as well. The fact that I finished second is not important to me. Marek is a great player and he deserves this award.
“I would like to thank my family. Things are much better when you have so much support and you could feel the love from them. I have a lovely wife and a beautiful son so I am really happy.”