It’s been a season of ups and downs for Liverpool, winning a piece of silverware in the shape of the Carling Cup but losing pace in the Premier League and almost certainly missing out on a top four finish.
And, should the Reds navigate an FA Cup semi-final against Merseyside rivals Everton, another domestic final could be on the agenda before the season culminates in May.
Of course, recent form in the English top flight has put a bit of a dampener on things at Anfield, with five defeats in six league matches hardly the form of world-beaters.
But, whilst the manager is receiving a certain level of criticism for the recent poor run, Kenny Dalglish must be credited with helping to get the very best out of defender Martin Skrtel.
The Slovak international’s presence at the club was already growing when ‘King Kenny’ took charge last January, and the Scot continued the 27-year-old’s momentum by playing him in every league match last season.
This term, things are much the same, and whilst the former Zenit St. Petersburg man has missed a couple of fixtures, he’s featured 28 times in the league and 36 in all competitions.
With injuries to Jamie Carragher and Daniel Agger at different stages of the season, Skrtel has needed to take on a huge amount of responsibility in the side, and has been one of the veterans on the pitch in a lot of matches – especially during the periods of injury for Steven Gerrard too.
"I'm not sure how many years he has been here but he's improved every season," noted defensive colleague Daniel Agger earlier in the week.
"This year he has become better and better. I think in most games he has been our man of the match."
Summer signing Sebastian Coates was also quick to herald his teammate in the past few days, admitting he’s happy to bide his time at Anfield and learn in the shadow of Skrtel.
"Martin has been outstanding this season and is an example to me because he originally came from a completely different country with an alternate philosophy on football and has made himself a success,” said the Uruguayan international.
"During the sessions I watch all of my teammates closely because you can learn from any position, not just your own.”
For many years, it was Jamie Carragher whom young players looked up to at the club, with any foreign import hoping to emulate the club’s legendary defender.
But, with the former England international now in the twilight of his career and used more sparingly by manager Dalglish, it is Skrtel who now sets the model for other players to follow at the club.
It’s understandable, given his ferocity and vision at the back. Skrtel has won 80% of his aerial battles in the league this term, and on the ground won 76% of tackles made. His discipline is also pretty solid, with just one red card and two yellows.
A regular in the cup competitions, his equalizer against Cardiff in the Carling Cup final at Wembley was vital, and one goal in this season’s run to the FA Cup semi-final isn’t bad going for a centre back either. He’s notched four goals in all competitions.
Dalglish can’t take all the plaudits though, as Skrtel bided his time in his first two seasons at the club before capitalizing when the senior chances fell his way. Supporters will be hoping that Coates can follow suit and come of age at the club – if not next season then the following year.
His hard work and effort on the training ground has paid major dividends, and there is little doubt that the 53-cap international should win the team's player of the year award this term.
And, whilst Liverpool have struggled as a team, a case could be made for the centre half to be included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year when their awards ceremony comes around in April.
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