Is Carra Past It? What's the Ideal CB Partnership?

Coates came in last night and Carra didn't have muchg to do, says how well Coates played.

Been saying it for a while (along with TKIDLLTK) that Skrtel and Agger are our two best CB's and that we need to have them playing together regularly so that one of them can take on the role of the "general" of the back line.  Since Carra's injury those two have been playing immensely, and by the look of things I'd have to say that Agger is growing into our defensive leader.  He has certainly been more vocal than Skrtel in the last few games, and he is demanding the ball when we are in possession because he has incredible confidence in his own ability to drive us forward and pick out the right passes.  I am really liking the look of our defense at the moment, and if Coates can put in a few more performances like the one last night then I believe he will quickly leapfrog Carra in the pecking order.  We need to be looking to the future, and the Skrtel-Agger partnership with Coates as the 3rd choice is the future.  I hope Carra is willing to take on more of a bit part role as I still think he could play a vital role in helping us get the best out of Coates, and potentially Wilson and Wisdom. 

He would be fourth choice centre half for me

agger and skrtl for now, but i still think skrtel has his odd moments. without agger's covering, he can be exposed at times.

agger and coates as the long term first choice (provided agger stays fit. i've said it before and will say it again - if agger spends rest of season battling injury, we've got to cut our losses).

again, if he stays fit, i actually think he could be a great captain after stevie too. he's confident, vocal, passionate, organised and has the respect of the players. pepe would be my choice for a vice captain, purely because i'd prefer to have an outfield player as captain.

I'd like to see a new CB brought in in January, we're set elsewhere in defence, Enrique's one of the best LBs in the league, second only to Ashley Cole in my opinion and we're covered for RB even if Johnson gets injured again or dips in form with the mighty Kelly but even with the presence of Agger, I still think we lack in the middle

Him and Skrtel are all well and good but for me, not comparable with the CBs of the last decade, Hypia, Carra in his younger days

What about Coates.  Kelly can fill in as well. Delighted Kenny hasn't shown sentiment with Carragher

What about Coates.  Kelly can fill in as well. Delighted Kenny hasn't shown sentiment with Carragher

He knows better than that; letting personal feelings intervene has been the downfall of too many a manager, all the greats take a hard line

Look at Shanks

Agger and Skrtel first choice. Skrtel needs to improve though, makes a fair few rash challenges when not needed instead of holding play up.

Agger and Skrtel first choice. Skrtel needs to improve though, makes a fair few rash challenges when not needed instead of holding play up.

I think he was amazing today.

I think he was amazing today.

MOTM for me.

MOTM for me.

I've had Skrtel down for MOTM 4 out of the last 5 games we've played.  I think he'd be my vote for player of the month.

Skrtel needs to improve though, makes a fair few rash challenges when not needed instead of holding play up.

Can't agree.

I'm all for demanding more from our players, but he's solid as a rock at the back at the moment. Not only that, he's contributing at the other end of the pitch as well, with goals and assists!

This was something I had got used to from Agger in the past, but it's good to see Skrtel getting stuck in as well!

It's been great to have such options now.
Skrtel and Agger for the league.
Coates and Carra for the cups.
Agree that Kenny's biggest test will be managing the December games.
Who comes in for Agger? Depends on the opposition I think.
Aerially Coates has been fantastic and since Sami left we've sometimes missed that.

Great post, I agree through and through.

Don't fix what isn't broken. Srktel and Agger is it then. With some recognition for Peps, Glen and Jose!

Skrtel and Agger have been fantastic. It's such a great feeling having the utmost confidence in the back four again.

This good be a big summer for Carragher, might find himself with a big decision to make.