The only problem, is that Agger has battled injuries for much of his time at Liverpool. He forced his way into the starting lineup in his first season (2006-2007), playing 41 times for a team challenging for honors on a number of fronts.
A broken foot cost him most of the next season. Inconsistency and the form of Martin Skrtel kept him out of the team for much of the 08-09 season. He returned to his place in the 2009-2010 season, but last season saw injuries once again limit his time, as he made 21 appearances for the club.
The defender is off to a fast start this season, starting all four of Liverpool’s league games and earning praise for his performances. He credits a summer of rest and a full preseason’s worth of preparation for his strong play.
"The fact I got the full preseason has helped me a lot," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I feel a lot stronger, a lot better, but I still have more to come, hopefully. I feel I can give some more, have more to offer, so hopefully I can carry on playing games and that will help me. Fitness-wise I am happy right now, but as the season carries on you get more games under your belt and you get stronger, quicker and better."
Agger's contract runs until 2014, and a season spent on the field and out of the treatment room could earn him an extension to his deal. Stalwart defender Jamie Carragher is reaching the end of his career and a player of Agger's talent and experience will be essential towards carrying Liverpool into the future. The club will rely on him to lead the defense on the field and mentor young players off of it.
With Liverpool focused solely on domestic pursuits this season, Agger (and other first-team players) will have more time to recover between games and be less susceptible to injuries related to overuse. This scenario benefits both player and club.
(Photo courtesy of LiverpoolFC.tv)
