Saturday, September 27, 2008

Rafa Delighted With Defensive Headache

Rafael Benitez has admitted the form of his four centre backs has given him a selection headache ahead of this weekend's derby at Goodison.

Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel have been the first choice pairing at the heart of the Reds defence in the Premier League this season, but Daniel Agger and Sami Hyypia both staked their claims for a place in the starting eleven with impressive displays against Crewe in midweek.

Agger opened the scoring against the League One outfit with a brilliant free kick - but Benitez insists he wasn't surprised to see his young Danish defender rise to the challenge of trying to force his way back into the first team picture.

"Daniel is a fantastic professional and so it's no surprise that he played so well," said the boss. "People may have watched the game and been surprised, but I wasn't. I see him every day in training and he's always the same, working hard and looking to improve.

"We knew he would react well and that is what happened. I also thought Sami played well on the night. We have four good centre backs and I am really pleased with all of them."

While Jamie Carragher's regular starting role for the Reds this season hasn't come as any surprise, the form of Slovakian star Skrtel in fending off competition for his place from Agger and Hyypia has been a source of delight for his manager.

"We had different options when we were looking for central defenders and Martin was one of those," said Benitez.

"We watched him for a long time before we signed him - and when Zenit played Everton I was surprised everybody was talking about Arshavin and not talking about Martin. We were monitoring him then and I am pleased he has been such a good addition to our squad.

"Some foreign players take a while to adapt to English football but with defenders it can sometimes be easier. He is aggressive and quick so he has settled in well."

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