Match Report: FC Unirea Urziceni 1 - 3 Liverpool

Liverpool FC came from behind to beat FC Unirea Urziceni 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate to book a place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16.

Though Rafael Benítez's charges did ultimately ensure the natural order, they did so the hard way. The first-leg advantage handed to them by David Ngog's late strike at Anfield was quickly wiped out by Bruno Fernandes, but Javier Mascherano's first goal of the season restored parity in Romania. Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard then gave the Reds a three-goal cushion that proved enough for the Premier League side to cruise through to a last-16 date with LOSC Lille Métropole or Fenerbahçe SK next month.

Unirea were not cowed by their visitors' European pedigree, deservedly going in front inside 20 minutes. Liverpool's defence were caught flat-footed by Răzvan Pădureţu's corner and Bruno Fernandes climbed highest to ignite the tie. Gerrard had already chanced his arm from range, to no avail, by the time Mascherano showed his captain how to do it, rifling in from 20 metres to draw the Reds level.

Unirea were unbowed, however, Pădureţu's artistry and set-piece delivery continuing to cause trouble. Gerrard, though, came to the fore five minutes before half-time, delivering a free-kick that found its way to Babel, who controlled with aplomb, swivelled and finished.

Another Gerrard set piece prompted Unirea goalkeeper Giedrius Arlauskis into action soon after the break, but it was from open play that the England midfielder put the tie to bed once and for all. Yossi Benayoun did the legwork, snaking his way through the Unirea defence before cleverly feeding his midfield colleague, whose finish spun in via Arlauskis' legs. Marius Ioan Bilaşco was somehow denied by Pepe Reina late on but the damage had long since been done.

Liverpool Face New Fight To Land Spanish Starlet

Liverpool could face a transfer battle with Manchester City this summer in the race to land Spanish youngster Javi Martinez.

The Athletic Bilbao youngster has been on Rafael Benitez's for some time, and the Liverpool boss was reportedly considering a bid for the player last summer.

Martinez welcomed the interest back in the summer of 2009, saying: "Any player would want to be part of such a good squad."

A deal never materialised however, and now other clubs are reportedly showing an interest in Los Leones' talented youngster.

Signed for €6 million in 2006, Martinez made the switch from Osasuna to the Basque club without playing a senior game at the Reyno de Navarra stadium in Pamplona. He became a regular in his first season at San Mamés, and has since made well over 100 league appearances for the La Liga side.

The Spanish U21 international helped Bilbao to the Spanish Cup final in 2009, and his form on that run played a large part in the speculation of a move to Anfield.

Valued at £10 million in the summer, it has recently been reported that City are considering preparing a £26 million bid to meet the buy-out clause in Martinez's contract.

If Mancini does make the move, the Reds will be unable to match the financial muscle at City and lose out in the race to sign one of the hottest properties in Spanish football.

However, the player's previous admission about playing football for Liverpool will leave the Reds with half an eye on a potential summer move. With the additional interest, a bid in the region of £15 million might be needed to prize this starlet from his homeland.

Teenage Keeper Trains With Reds

Teenage Swindon goalkeeper Jamie Stephens is to spend next week training with Premier League side Liverpool.

The 16-year-old has been invited for a stint at the Reds' Kirkby Academy after impressing scouts from the Anfield outfit.

Stephens' potential was spotted during his appearances for the Robins' youth team and he will now rub shoulders with Liverpool's emerging talent.

Swindon manager Danny Wilson has agreed for the youngster to head to Merseyside, but the club have stressed that there are no plans in place for a transfer.

"We had an approach for Jamie to spend a couple of days training with Liverpool," youth team boss Paul Bodin told the Swindon Advertiser.

"They had heard about his potential, invited him up, and the gaffer agreed to let him go up there.

"It is a great opportunity for everyone - this gives Jamie a fantastic experience and also helps us build links with a huge club like Liverpool.

"There is nothing at the end of it though - it is purely a week's training.

"We don't want to go overboard about it, but it's great that a club like Liverpool is showing a bit of interest in our players.

"It's a nice little pat on the back and a bit of recognition, not just for myself and Jeremy Newton (Centre of Excellence director), but for everyone else who has had an input in to Jamie's development during his time at Swindon."

Liverpool Protestors Latest Plan Revealed

Liverpool fans protesting against Hicks And Gillet have a public relations wall.

The Liverpool Echo they claim, isn’t doing enough. The reality is that in a city divided by only two clubs they will never get it right. Everton could win 8-0 and if they Echo run a match report they get a trail of telephone calls from disgruntled Reds bemoaning bias.

The reality for Liverpool is that Man Yanited’s scheme to infiltrate Old Trafford with Norwich City scarves is a hard act to follow. Whatever you may say about it, it has the media’s attention.

The latest report into The Tavern is a mass unfurling by hurling of toilet rolls.

Benitez: Stevie Role Good For Us

Rafa Benitez believes captaining England next week will bring the best out of Steven Gerrard.

With new skipper Rio Ferdinand injured, Gerrard is expected to take the armband in the friendly against Egypt.

Benitez thinks the occasion could boost Gerrard's confidence - benefiting both club and country.

The Reds boss said: "I think captaining England will be good for his confidence and could also have a good effect on him.

"We know he is important for us, and also important for England. I think he has to take the responsibility as a positive sign."

Aquilani: A Man With A Point To Prove

All eyes turned to the Europa League last night, and many Kopites gazed towards Romania as Liverpool took a trip to Unirea for their second leg clash. As Rafael Benitez draws away the pressure from his team using banter with the press, his £19m+ summer signing from Roma, Alberto Aquilani, knows he has to show what he is capable of.

At least Aquilani has acknowledged his failings during his short stay at Anfield. It has been reported in the English press that the midfielder has admitted he needs to prove himself, and that the support and banners made by the Liverpool faithful are all that he needs to spur him on to adapt to life in the Premiership.

Sure he has the talent, and starting off injured does not help his cause. Neither does the fact that he is seen as the ideal replacement for Xabi Alonso. However, when Aquilani has been picked, his performances have been lackluster to say the least. Misplaced passes, sloppy first touches, and a lack of strength have all been visible when he has taken his role of central midfielder. It is true that it takes time to adapt, particularly in the Premier League. But, I believe that Aquilani has the ability – and even more so, the character – to be a success at Anfield.

As already stated, the talent is there, and we have seen glimpses of his excellent passing ability and direct vision. You don’t just become an Italian international without having the ability. He has proved at Roma the threat he poses to other teams, and it is now time to show this at Liverpool.

Obviously, he hasn’t had much playing time and when he does get a decent run in the team he needs to grasp it with both hands – he is going to have to learn the hard way.

Liverpool Must Take Europa League A Game At A Time - Rafael Benitez

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is optimistic that his side can win the Europa League this season.

However, the Spaniard is refusing to get carried away and has insisted that his players focus on beating Unirea Urziceni on Thurdsday night and reaching the last 16 of the competition rather than dream of glory.

"For us it is an opportunity to bring silverware here so we will try to do our best," Benitez told reporters at a press conference on Wednesday.

"People are talking about me saying we will win the final, but we have to win against Unirea in this game to progress.

"Again, it is one step at a time, so we cannot talk about wining the final - we have to win the next game."

Benitez is not underestimating his team's Romanian opponents. Unirea performed well in the group stages of the Champions League this season, collecting the scalp of Scottish giants Rangers at Ibrox.

"As a team we are doing better now. Unirea are a good team and I am sure they are really focused on our game. It will be difficult and tough," the Reds' manager continued.

"They did well at home in the Champions League, so we know that we will have to work very hard if we want to progress.

"We will take it one game at a time. Now we want to progress in the Europa League and afterwards we will think about Blackburn.

Europa League Run Can Help Liverpool Make Champions League - Javier Mascherano

Javier Mascherano believes Liverpool's continued progress in the Europa League can boost their hopes of a top four finish.

The Reds midfield dynamo, echoing the sentiments of boss Rafa Benitez, is confident Liverpool will finish the job they started at Anfield last week and knock Unirea Urziceni out of the competition.

Should that happen, it will set up a clash with Lille or Fenerbahce in the last 16 and Mascherano thinks the more Liverpool play, the better they will become as they pursue a Champions League spot.

Mascherano said: “We know that we have got some good games coming up.

"It is important for us to keep playing and keep improving our confidence. Before we lost to Arsenal, we had a seven game unbeaten run and we want to win against Unirea to get on another similar run.

“This is a really important game for us, we have been talking about it for the last few days and it is important we get to the last 16.”

Romanian Journalists Berate Liverpool Boss Rafael Benitez Ahead Of Europa League Tie

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez became embroiled in a bizarre pre-match press conference when Romanian journalists appeared to berate the Spaniard over his weight, according to a report in the Daily Mail.

The Reds boss was fielding questions relating to the club's concluding Europa League tie with Unirea Urziceni, yet reporters from Romania sought to get a rise out of the unswervingly diplomatic Benitez.

When probed as to whether Liverpool were underestimating Unirea, he said: "Not at all. I just had to work out what would be the best preparation for the team, and I just felt that working on formations and set-pieces at Melwood before, rather than after, a three-hour flight would be the right option.

"As for after the game, if it goes to extra-time, the plane will wait, because it is a charter. Don't make the mistake of thinking we are taking anything for granted," he warned.

He was then asked for his thoughts about chants from the terraces predicting his sacking in the morning.

"I don't listen to them. When you are on the sidelines, watching your team, you are not aware of anything else. You are in the zone and concentrating only on what is happening on the pitch. Anyway, I don't always understand. My English still isn't all that good."

Towards the end of the conference, one reporter opted for a more personal approach.

"The last time I saw you, Mr. Benitez, was at the 2005 Champions' League final, and your, erm, silhouette seems to have changed since then. Why is that?" One bold journalist asked.

"It is the stress of having to answer so many questions from the press. Thank you and goodnight."

Match Preview: Unirea Urziceni vs. Liverpool

Liverpool will look to press home a one-goal advantage as they visit Unirea Urziceni in the second leg of their Europa League round of 32 tie.

Rafael Benitez's men scraped a narrow victory in the reverse clash at Anfield last week, thanks to a late strike from French youngster David Ngog.

The Reds' performance in that game was roundly criticised, however, as was their showing against fellow Champions League chasers Manchester City in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Eastlands.

Nevertheless, the Merseyside giants have the upper hand heading into this week's cup date in the Romanian capital.

Unirea could be considered unfortunate to have left England with nothing to show for what was a determined and disciplined display on their return from the winter break, but now they must pick themselves up after also losing their top-of-the-table clash with domestic rivals Cluj.

Unfortunately for Ron Levy's side, the statistics are firmly against them: they have won just once at home in European play, while Liverpool have only lost once on the road in their last nine continental outings.


FORM GUIDE

Unirea Urziceni

Feb 22: Unirea 0-1 Cluj (Romanian League)
Feb 18: Liverpool 1-0 Unirea (Europa League)
Dec 12: Unirea 2-0 Iasi (Romanian League)
Dec 9: Stuttgart 3-1 Unirea (Champions League)
Dec 4: Ceahlaul 2-3 Unirea (Romanian League)

Liverpool

Feb 21: Manchester City 0-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Feb 18: Liverpool 1-0 Unirea Urziceni (Europa League)
Feb 10: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Feb 6: Liverpool 1-0 Everton (Premier League)
Jan 30: Liverpool 2-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)


TEAM NEWS

Unirea Urziceni

Pablo Brandan is suspended after picking up a yellow card at Anfield last week, while Iulian Apostol, Marius Ioan Bilasco, George Galamaz and Ricardo Vilana are all a booking away from a ban.

Last starting XI (vs. Cluj): Arlauskis, Maftei, Galamaz, Fernandes, Brandan, Paraschiv, Onofras, Marinescu, Apostol, Frunza, Bilasco.

Liverpool

Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun are both available for selection after their substitute appearances at Eastlands over the weekend, but Glen Johnson is still out of action.

Last starting XI (vs. Manchester City): Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Mascherano, Lucas, Maxi, Gerrard, Babel, Kuyt.


PLAYERS TO WATCH

Unirea Urziceni - Vasile Maftei

The right-back was Unirea's star outfield player in the first leg, stifling Albert Riera and using the ball well going forward. More of the same will be required this time around if the Romanians are to advance.

Liverpool - Daniel Pacheco

The young Spaniard's cameo last week showed just why he is so highly rated at Anfield, and it was his knockdown which led to the winning goal. Expect to see him get another run in Bucharest.

Riera Seeks Europa League Redemption

The memory of losing the 2007 UEFA Cup final with RCD Espanyol is driving Liverpool FC's Albert Riera in the UEFA Europa League: "The goal is to win a trophy – we have no other option."

Albert Riera needs no convincing of the merits of the UEFA Europa League. For the Liverpool FC winger, the tournament not only represents his team's sole remaining hope of avoiding another trophyless season but it also provides an opportunity to remove the lingering "bad taste" of the defeat he suffered with RCD Espanyol in the 2007 UEFA Cup final.

Riera came tantalisingly close to holding the cup that year, scoring Espanyol's first goal in a 2-2 draw with Sevilla FC in the all-Spanish final at Glasgow's Hampden Park that his old team eventually lost on penalties. He told UEFA.com: "I will always remember that final, in truth it was great but finals are there to win and if you lose it leaves a bad taste in the mouth. People talk about third time lucky but let's hope it will be second time for me."

The 27-year-old Spanish international is keen to make amends now with a Liverpool side whose entry into the UEFA Europa League followed their elimination from the UEFA Champions League. If there were dark skies over Anfield following that failure, Riera believes the Merseysiders could yet find a silver lining. He said: "We weren't very good in the Champions League. We made mistakes there, and we paid for them. You have to keep looking forward and we are in this competition now and we want to win it.

"The goal is to win a trophy – we have no other option – and also to finish fourth in the league. If we can't win the league, then finishing in the top four is the objective. This season we didn't start well, we can give a lot more and we are trying to do that."

A definite cause for optimism looking ahead to Thursday's second leg against round of 32 opponents FC Unirea Urziceni in Romania is Liverpool's defensive improvement in recent weeks. Rafael Benítez's side conceded costly last-minute goals in three of their UEFA Champions League ties but they have kept clean sheets in six of their last seven outings, including the 1-0 first-leg victory against Unirea last week and Sunday's goalless draw at Manchester City FC.

Riera said: "It's important to end a game with a clean sheet. If you do that you have a big chance of winning games. We know with the quality of the players we have, we'll always have opportunities. We had problems defending earlier in the season, especially in dead-ball situations, but it's something we've improved on. We were conscious of this and now we're reaping the rewards."

While Liverpool are excelling defensively, they struggled at the other end of the pitch against Unirea at Anfield until David Ngog made a belated breakthrough with nine minutes remaining. Yet Riera believes they may find it easier in Bucharest, given Unirea will have to commit men forward in search of a goal.

"They will have to come out and attack more, and can't defend as much or as deeply as they did so there will surely be more opportunities for us," he said. "We won't go there just to defend the result we got here, we will try to go there to win the game the same. We will surely get more chances, because they will be forced to play a bit more."

Lucas Thrilled By Torres Return

Liverpool midfielder Lucas recognises that Fernando Torres' return to fitness is a "massive boost".

The striker made his first appearance for several weeks when he came on as a substitute in Sunday's goalless draw against Manchester City.

He had been sidelined with a knee problem picked up in the FA Cup defeat to Reading, the latest of several injuries to blight his progress this season.

It has been a frustrating campaign for Liverpool as well as Torres but Lucas believes the Spaniard can inspire his team-mates to a strong finish.

"Having Fernando on the pitch is not only a massive boost for us but it is also a great advantage against the opposition," Lucas told the club's official website.

"Fernando is our main goalscorer and defenders know they can't give any chances away to him because he will take them.

"He gives us confidence because he scores a lot of goals and wins us games.

"Unfortunately he has been injured, but we hope he will be fit between now and the end of the season and help us finish in the top four."

Yossi Benayoun also returned to action at the weekend and, with Glen Johnson nearing full fitness as well, Lucas is looking forward to the next couple of months.

He said: "We know how important they are for us. Yossi creates a lot of chances for us. He has great skill and ability and we are happy to have them back.

"We will also have Glen back in the next couple of weeks which is another great boost for us.

"When we have our full squad available again I think we will be even stronger and that will be important between now and the end of the season."

Liverpool's immediate focus is Thursday's Europa League clash with Unirea Urziceni in Romania.

The Reds have a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg at Anfield and Lucas is confident of finishing the job.

"We have the advantage and we didn't concede an away goal, which is so important in Europe," he said.

"We know it will be difficult as I thought they were well organised at Anfield, but they know they have to score and the game will be open. We hope to take advantage and score goals to take us through to the next stage.

"They have to attack us because if they don't we will qualify and be in the last 16 of the Europa League. Hopefully we will have more space to attack them and finish the game off."

Saric Uncertain Over Debut

Teenage striker Nikola Saric is uncertain when he will make his Liverpool debut, but he is remaining positive.

The talented Danish striker has yet to feature for the Reds after being plagued by injuries since his arrival at the club in 2008.

But the 19-year-old is remaining positive, believing he will eventually make Rafa Benitez's first-team if he is good enough.

Saric told Onside.dk: "My plans were spoiled a lot when I was injured for eight months.

"The first year, you have to adopt to the playing style and get to know the team-mates, that is still new for me.

"I don't think so much about the first team. In case I am good enough, I will get there, but right now there are some players ahead of me."

Johnson 'Very Close' To Return

Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has admitted Glen Johnson is close to a return, but he will not be rushed back.

The Reds defender has been sidelined since suffering medial knee ligament damage in December, missing his side's poor run of form this year.

The England international was a mainstay in the Liverpool team before his injury suffered against Aston Villa, making 17 appearances in the Premier League this season, scoring twice.

And like returning striker Fernando Torres, Benitez says he will be eased back into contention.

"Johnson is very close," he said. "I think next week he will be training with the team, or maybe at the end of the week, but it will be the same situation we have with Torres.

"He will need time and we will introduce him little by little."

The Reds travel to Romania on Thursday to face Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League.

Taking a lead into the away leg after a 1-0 win at Anfield, Liverpool will be favourites to progress, and Benitez hopes there will be more opportunities to attack.

"We have to believe that the away leg will be different because they will have to attack and that will leave more spaces, and maybe we can create more clear chances," he added.

"If they have to attack, they have to be higher (up the field) and the game will be totally different.

"The main thing now is that we know them. It will not be a surprise the next game and we have to be ready. We have to think about attack.

"If you play in the Champions League or Europa League - in a knockout competition - you can see a clean sheet is very important and not to concede away is the main thing because then you can manage at home."

Ryan Babel Reveals Heart-To-Heart With Rafa Benitez

Ryan Babel has revealed the heart-to-heart chat with Rafael Benitez he hopes can help salvage his Anfield career.

Babel has endured a hugely disappointing campaign to prompt talk of an exit from Liverpool in the summer, with the player the subject of a £9m bid from Birmingham City last month.

Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City was his first Premier League start since lining up against the same opposition at Anfield back in November.

Babel was hauled off in the second half after an ineffective display, meaning the Dutchman has still only played the full 90 minutes once this season.

But the 23-year-old has held talks with manager Benitez aimed at bringing out his best as he attempts to prove he has a future at the club.

“I have had a good talk with the manager and I know what I have to do,” said Babel. “That is what I am going to concentrate on.

“I just have to try to be patient, keep working hard and doing my best.”

Babel will be part of the squad that flies to Romania this afternoon ahead of tomorrow’s Europa League return clash against Unirea Urziceni.

Benitez’s side will defend a slender one-goal lead from the first leg as they look to progress to the last 16 and a tie against either Lille or Fenerbahce.

And Babel believes Liverpool’s improving defensive form can bolster their only chance of silverware this season.

“Unirea may not be a well known team but the fact they are playing in Europe at this stage shows they are a good team,” he said. “I think it’s all about how you prepare yourself and as long as we do that then we should be fine.

“We have definitely improved over the last few weeks with a lot of clean sheets. The defence has been the basis of our better results.

“Slowly it gives more confidence and that is something that we have to try to keep hold of and hopefully we can be positive as we look forward.”

Alberto Aquilani Keen To Repay Liverpool Fans' Support For Him

Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani is proud that the Reds fans seem to have taken him to their hearts so soon after his summer arrival from Roma.

One expression of that affection has been the banner which was unfurled at Anfield not long after his arrival bearing the legend 'Il Principino - A Hero has Arrived'.

Now the Italian, who has struggled to find full fitness all season, wants to repay the support he has received from the Kop.

"It filled me with incredible pride. I was already accustomed to the Roma supporters saluting me with their own songs and banners, but for the Liverpool fans to do the same, even though I had not proved myself in the Premier League, was amazing," Aquilani told his club's official website.

"It is now my job to repay their support and love."

Aquilani believes that the supporters of the Reds and Roma share a lot in common.

"Giallorossi fans are extraordinary and unique, the best in Italy for sure," he added.

"There are no more passionate fans in the country. But from what I have seen in England, Liverpool supporters come from the same mould.

"They have a great reputation in the world of football and I now know exactly why."

Liverpool Boss Benitez To Turn Down Real Madrid

According to Spanish newspaper 'Sport', Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez will turn down any move by Real Madrid to become coach at the Bernebeu.

'Sport' claims that the Spanish club sounded out Benitez several weeks ago when he was being linked with the Juventus job and urged the Liverpool manager to delay any decision on his future. Real Madrid’s interest in Benitez has reportedly intensified with current coach Manuel Pellegrini under pressure to deliver a successful Champions League campaign.

However, Benitez will reportedly turn down any approach by Real Madrid in favour of remaining at Anfield. 'Sport' claims that Benitez will not break his contract with Liverpool and if he were to take the reins at the Bernebeu, he would demand total control over footballing decisions – a condition likely to be unacceptable to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. It would likely be equally unpalatable for sporting director, Jorge Valdano, who 'Sport' claims has a sour relationship with Benitez which "will not improve over time."

The only way that Benitez might end up at Real Madrid, according to 'Sport', is if Liverpool fail to qualify for next season's Champions League and Benitez is consequently sacked by the Anfield hierarchy.

Tommy Smith: Liverpool Need More Options In Attack

After all the hype about the impact Sunday’s game would have on fourth place it was no great surprise when it didn’t live up to expectations.

It was a poor, poor game and neither team deserved to win.

In fact, it looked as if they’d made some kind of pact not to encroach in each other’s half.

It confirmed what I’ve been saying for some time now, that we need somebody else up front.

That’s not in case Fernando Torres gets injured. It’s because we simply need someone else.

While Torres reminds me of a Roger Hunt; the one who puts the ball in the back of the net, we need a player who can go for the ball with big centre-halves and take a battering.

Some people say the game has changed and we have new formations and systems now.

But whether it’s today’s or yesterday’s game, whatever is going on at Liverpool is evidently not working.

Years ago we had John Toshack taking the onus off Kevin Keegan. Before that there was Ian St John and Roger Hunt. Later there was Rush and Dalglish.

At the moment we’ve got nothing up there without Torres.

Just two goals in our last four games says it all.

I’ve heard people saying Steven Gerrard has not been playing well. Maybe that’s because he’s got no-one to play up front with.

If Torres is up there, Gerrard plays a lot better. But if he doesn’t get any balls laid off to him when Torres is missing then what’s he supposed to do?

It’s all well and good keeping clean sheets but Liverpool teams have always been sent out to play and score goals not to defend, as appeared to be the case at City.

You’ve got to score goals to win games. I’d rather see us win 4-3 than draw nil-nil.

Torres Set For Euro Bench Duty

Rafael Benitez will resist the temptation to throw Fernando Torres back into his starting line up for the second leg of Liverpool's Europa League tie with Unirea Urziceni.

The Spanish striker made his comeback after six weeks out with a knee injury when he played the final 15 minutes of Sunday's dour stalemate at Manchester City.

Torres came through unscathed and is set to be part of the squad who fly off to Romania tomorrow.

However, he is likely to only be named among the substitutes for Thursday night's clash in Bucharest.

Liverpool, who have scored just two goals in their last four games, are in desperate need of more firepower.

But Benitez is determined to take no risks with his 12-goal top scorer and he is confident Spain manager Vicente del Bosque will do the same.

Torres is set to be part of the Spain squad for their high profile friendly against France on Wednesday, March 3.

Daniel Agger And Martin Skrtel Will Be Vital For End Of Season Run-In - And Beyond

It is hardly surprising to see defensive issues topping the list of positives from Liverpool's uninspiring, but still rather useful, goalless draw at Manchester City on Sunday. After all, a game featuring just three shots on target was hardly likely to provoke much talk of attacking verve or creative class.

For Rafael Benitez, clean sheets are the bedrock of Liverpool's success. Sunday's shutout was their seventh in their last nine league fixtures, which considering the Reds' generosity at the start of the season - where they let in 25 goals in their first 18 fixtures, having conceded just 27 in the whole of the last campaign – is pretty impressive.

And with just a point separating the Reds, Tottenham, Manchester City and Aston Villa, defensive solidarity is likely to be a key factor in the battle for the top-four. Certainly Villa, statistically the league's meanest team with just 22 goals conceded, will be dependent on their back-four if they are to sneak a place in the Champions League next season.

Liverpool's vast improvements in defence should not be downplayed, given the disruption caused to Benitez's team through injuries this season. Already this season Liverpool have used 12 different defenders - hardly conducive to any kind of consistency, and a stark contrast to last season, when just 8 were used through the whole league campaign.

This current run alone has seen Glen Johnson absent for seven games with a knee injury, Daniel Agger miss three with a back strain, and Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos - surprisingly impressive when drafted in last month - serve a ban after being sent-off in the Merseyside derby.

Johnson's absence is perhaps more keenly felt than any other. The England man offers a purpose and athleticism matched by few full-backs in the country - and it is no coincidence that Liverpool's attacking threat from wide areas has diminished since the 25-year-old was carried off at Villa Park in December, though Benitez is confident that the former Portsmouth man will be available for selection in a fortnight's time.

In his absence, Jamie Carragher has provided proof that he is still a top-class Premier League performer. Carragher has made no secret of his aversion to playing at right-back, but his performances have, on the whole, been excellent.

The other problem created by Johnson's injury is that Carragher, so often the talismanic figure at the heart of the Reds defence, is no longer there. And with Sami Hyypia having departed for Bayer Leverkusen last summer, the need for a dominant central defender was obvious.

Step forward Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel. The Dane and the Slovak at the heart of Liverpool's defensive renaissance.

On paper, it seems a perfect partnership, and with both just 25 years of age, the potential for longevity is there. But Liverpool's season thus far has been anything but perfect, and the side has struggled defensively as a result. Skrtel in particular has found life tough in a transitional side, whilst niggling injuries have restricted Agger to just 14 league starts.

Indeed, Skrtel and Agger have started together just eight times all season - and one of those games, against Manchester City at Anfield, saw the Dane depart injured within twenty minutes. That said, they have conceded just six times in those eight fixtures which is proof enough that a partnership is blossoming.

Liverpool have a fine tradition of central defensive pairings. Bill Shankly attributed plenty of his success at the club in the 1960s to the hard-as-nails duo of Ron Yeats and Tommy Smith, whilst his successor Bob Paisley cultivated a more technically gifted pair in Phil Thompson and Emlyn Hughes, as the Reds conquered Europe in the 1970s.

Perhaps the finest partnership seen at Anfield came in the 1980s, when Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson forged an understanding that should amaze anyone who has seen the pair together on Match of the Day recently, whilst recently Hyypia and Carragher have been the benchmark for defensive stoicism on Merseyside.

Style-wise, Agger and Skrtel perhaps best resemble Hansen and Lawrenson. Aesthetically, the pair could not be further apart. Agger is a relaxed, ball-playing left-footer who likes to bring the ball from defence a la Thomas Vermaelen at Arsenal or Ricardo Carvalho at Chelsea (or, indeed, Hansen in his heyday).

Skrtel, meanwhile, is a no-nonsense brute of a defender, happier in a scrap than a battle of wits. He may lack the searing acceleration and faultless timing of Lawrenson, but the tools are there to become a top-level defender nonetheless, his 80th minute tackle on Emmanuel Adebayor at Eastlands was a match-saving one, and may just have helped cement his spot in the team following a difficult start to the season.

Carragher of course will have something to say. The Bootle boy will almost certainly move back into the centre of defence once Johnson is fully fit, and it is true that neither Agger nor Skrtel boast his organisational and leadership skills.

But at 32, age is against Carragher; he may never have been especially quick, but in a team which is crying out for attacking full-backs, his lack of pace on the turn can occasionally be exposed - as seen against Michael Owen and Bobby Zamora this season. Carragher is still good enough to be first choice, but Skrtel and Agger are the future.

For Benitez, it is a happy dilemma to have. The immediate priority for the Spaniard is ensuring the Reds finish this season in the coveted top-four spaces, and the fact that Liverpool are not conceding goals should ensure that they stay very much in the hunt, especially with a decent set of fixtures to come.

But whilst the Reds may have only conceded twice in nine, they have only managed to score a goal-per-game in that spell. Fernando Torres' return should help alleviate that problem, but Benitez now needs to get the top-end of the pitch in order, as he has at the back. If he can do that, then Liverpool will be in business.