Liverpool Defense: Martin Skrtel Reds' Rock Regardless Of Formation, Partners

Martin Skrtel is the surest thing, as far as Liverpool’s defense is concerned.

Skrtel, 30, looks set to continue his role as an ever-present figure at the heart of Liverpool’s defense. The new, long-term contract with Liverpool he signed in July should take the Slovakian center back’s Anfield career past the 10-year mark, reflecting his status as Liverpool’s rock in the current era. Skrtel’s dependable presence and performance level is all but assured, barring injury. The other aspects of Liverpool’s back line aren’t so much.

Manager Brendan Rodgers reconfigured Liverpool’s defense in recent seasons, earning mixed results. The Reds reduced their goals conceded in Premier League play from 50 in 2013-14 to 48 in 2014-15, but their early- and late-season defensive woes make their statistics look slightly worse than their performances for a large chunk of the campaign.

Rodgers has arrested worrying defensive trends by changing formations — from a four- to a five-man back line — during each of his three seasons in charge. He might interchange systems again in 2015-16 if necessary. Regardless of how Rodgers deploys his players, expect Skrtel to be the man in the middle again.

The current situation
A good level of competition exists among Liverpool’s defensive corps. Skrtel appears to be a lock in the center, but the identity of his partner remains unknown heading into the opening week of the season.

Either Dejan Lovren, 26, or Mamadou Sakho, 25, will partner Skrtel in a four-back setup. Liverpool paid around £18 million ($28 million) for Sakho in September 2013 and £20 million ($31 million) for Lovren in 2014. Neither has established himself as a consistent presence on the Reds’ back line. Both must improve in order to ensure their long-term futures at the club, as their reputations at club and international levels are at stake.

Skrtel likely will play between Lovren and Sakho in a three-back setup. Kolo Toure and summer signing Joe Gomez are behind them in the pecking order at the outset of the campaign. Thiago Ilori appears to be headed for another loan or a permanent departure from Anfield.

The full-back positions feature some new faces, which could bode well for Liverpool. The Reds struggled to cut off service into their penalty area from wide areas last season, and new full-backs could improve that aspect of their pressing game.

Summer signing Nathaniel Clyne, 24, will start the season at right back amid expectations he’ll lock down that side for years to come. Gomez will be his backup.

Gomez, 18, impressed in preseason at left back and looks likely to start the first game of the Premier League season there. Alberto Moreno must out-compete Gomez in order to take back the position he made his own last year or face the prospect of playing only in games against weaker opposition.

Jon Flanagan, 22, expects to return from a 16-month injury layoff in October or November. Flanagan could displace Gomez or Moreno and possibly Clyne should he rediscover the form he showed in the first half of 2014.

Midfielder Emre Can can play along the back line in a pinch. Jose Enrique looks bound to leave the club or spend most of his season out of the gameday squad.

The verdict
Liverpool has enough personnel to compete in four competitions but could be in trouble if Skrtel or Clyne suffers an injury. If they avoid injury, suspension and loss of form and Sakho, Lovren or both rise to expecations, Liverpool’s defense should improve. The Reds had the eighth best defensive record in the league last season. They likely must improve to fourth — conceding 35 to 40 goals — or better in order to hit their targets for the league campaign.