2012/13 analysis: Defenders

Daniel Agger

In contrast to previous injury-blighted seasons, Daniel Agger has had a consistent campaign. The Dane, whose quality has never been questioned, was almost an ever-present in the 2012/13 Premier League for Liverpool – starting 35 of their 38 games.

It was arguably Agger’s best season in a red shirt; guiding the club to 16 Premier League clean sheets - the second best record in the division.

Agger looks to have cemented his place in the Liverpool team for next season, possibly alongside a new arrival in central defence.

Appearances: 38

Goals: 3
Assists: 2

Tackles won (PL): 72.2%

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My season rating: 8

Jamie Carragher

Carragher’s 17^th, and last, season as a professional footballer was one to remember. After losing his place in the team to Martin Skrtel in 2011, he valiantly regained his starting spot halfway through the 2012/13 season, after a series of impressive cup performances.

Making just one noticeable error all season, Carragher defended with conviction and leadership, and will be a hard man to replace in the heart of Liverpool’s defence.

Appearances: 38

Goals: 0

Assists: 1

Tackles won (PL): 70%

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My season rating: 8

Sebastian Coates

After being signed in 2011 by Damien Comolli and Kenny Dalglish, it is becoming more and more clear that Sebastian Coates does not suit the high-intensity, passing ethos of Brendan Rodgers.

The Uruguayan has appeared in just 12 games for Liverpool all season and looked lethargic and awkward on the ball. Could it be plausible that he’s being kept at the club solely to ensure his best friend and star player, Luis Suarez remains happy?

Appearances: 12

Goals: 1

Assists: 0

Tackles won (PL): 83.3%

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My season rating: 6

Jose Enrique

After beginning the season devoid of confidence and out of the side, Jose Enrique won his place back in Liverpool’s team in the Merseyside derby on 28^th October. Given more of an attacking role by Brendan Rodgers, the Spanish left-back began to spark an almost telepathic understanding with Luis Suarez, assisting the forward for a couple of goals in late 2012.

Enrique’s impressive form continued, as he reverted back to a more familiar full-back role, taking part in Liverpool’s final 15 league games of the season.

Appearances: 34

Goals: 2

Assists: 5

Tackles won (PL): 84.7

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My season rating: 7

Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson’s consistency in the 2012/13 season was underlined by the fact he played the most minutes in the Premier League, of any Liverpool player – 3,224.

As expected, he was a menace in the opponent’s final third – providing crucial width in attack for Brendan Rodgers’ side. Despite being inevitably caught out of position from time-to-time, Johnson’s defensive work continues to be underrated – supported by the fact that the right-back won 81.1% of his tackles in the campaign.

The highlight of Johnson’s season came in a league game away at West Ham; opening the scoring with a stunning left-footed strike in a three-two Liverpool win.

Appearances: 42

Goals: 2

Assists: 2

Tackles won (PL): 81.1%

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My season rating: 8

Martin Skrtel

After an impressive 2011/12 campaign, it was widely thought that Martin Skrtel would be a pivotal figure as part of Liverpool’s defence in Brendan Rodgers first season at the club.

The Slovakian centre-back, however, struggled to live up to expectations and was dropped at the start of 2013 after a bout of unimposing performances. Skrtel was kept out the side for a large chunk of the rest of the season and it remains to be seen whether he figures in his manager’s plans for the future.

Appearances: 32

Goals: 2

Assists: 0

Tackles won (PL): 85.3%

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My season rating: 6

Andre Wisdom

Wisdom was handed his Premier League debut, due to an injury to Martin Kelly, in Liverpool’s five-two rout at Norwich in September 2012. After previously impressing in the Europa League, the defender continued his form domestically.

Deployed at right-back throughout the season by Brendan Rodgers, Wisdom can also play in central defence. Turning just 20 in May, the defender looked at ease with first-team football, and is set to be a fixture in the Liverpool backline for years to come.

His impressive tackles won percentage of 89.7 in the Premier League 2012/13 emphasises his promise, and is significantly higher than Vincent Kompany’s (79.6), Rio Ferdinand’s (74.3) and Jan Vertonghen’s (80.8).

Appearances: 19

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Tackles won (PL): 89.7%

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My season rating: 7

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