Introducing Liverpool FC’s new defender, Martin Skrtel

January 29, 2008

Škrtel began playing football at the age of six; while a competent ice hockey player, he followed his father’s career and chose to play football for F.C. Prievidza, before signing for FK AS Tren?ín.

Škrtel made his debut for Zenit in a Russian Cup match on 31 July 2004 and he said that the presence of Slovak and Czech players essentially helped him to adjust to the new team. He has played 113 times and scored five goals for the Russian club. Big teams such as Valencia, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, and Newcastle United were all been reported to be interested in his services, but he opted to sign for Liverpool in the January 2008 transfer window.

Škrtel signed for Liverpool on 11 January 2008 on a four-and-a-half year contract that is worth around £6.5 million. After completing the deal, Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez said of Škrtel, that he is aggressive, quick, is good in the air and Benitez think he’s a very good player for the future and also for the present. Benitez also added that he is very competitive, but his mentality for is very good. He also compared Škrtel to present Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher. He made his league debut against Aston Villa and wears the number 37 for Liverpool.

On 26 January 2008 Martin was given his full Liverpool debut in Liverpool’s 4th Round FA Cup tie against non-league Havant & Waterlooville.

BIO

Full name: Martin Škrtel
Date of birth: December 15, 1984
Place of birth: Handlová, Slovakia
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position: Defender
Current club: Liverpool
Number: 37