Martin Skrtel has been impressed with Liverpool’s increased defensive stability…
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has asked manager Brendan Rodgers to keep faith in his 3-4-3 formation, because he feels that it suits them more than utilising a defensive four.
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Skrtel played an important role in yet another Reds clean-sheet against Everton yesterday, our fifth in eight games in all competitions. We’ve now conceded just six goals in our last ten matches, a success that Skrtel puts down to the change in formation.
He told Liverpool’s official website: “We have changed the system to a back three and it is working for us,” Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.com. “We are defending much better. It suits us. I hope we can carry on this way in the future.
“I’m happy for the team, because we have improved our defending. There was a lot of criticism. Since New Year, we have only conceded one goal from open play – that’s great and I’m happy about that.”
Roberto Martinez’s side were restricted to just a single shot on target as the defensive trio of Skrtel, Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho held firm once again on Saturday, despite us losing defensive midfielder Lucas Leiva to injury after just 16 minutes.
The Slovakian picked out teammate Can for special praise, explaining that the German has adapted well to being asked to play as part of the back three, having come to the club as a midfielder.
Skrtel commented: “He came to Liverpool as a midfielder but for the last few games he has played as a centre-back and defender. He has done well and I’m happy for him.”
Continued success for the trio will soon leave Rodgers with a selection headache, as he decides where and when to fit in Kolo Toure and Dejan Lovren once they return from international duty and injury respectively.