BBC Football Pundit Lauds Consistency of Towering Liverpool Star

Football Focus pundit Garth Crooks has praised the performances of Martin Skrtel in light of the towering centre-half's superb individual effort at the weekend.

The Slovakian international scored Liverpool's second goal during the 2-0 win against Aston Villa and the 27-year-old has been one of Kenny Dalglish's most consistent performers.

Alongside Daniel Agger, Skrtel has successfully kept Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher on the substitute's bench and the aforementioned Crooks suggests the Anfield veteran's hiatus from Dalglish's starting 11 is likely to continue given their defensive record this season.

"Last week it was Daniel Agger who made my team (of the week), this week it's Martin Skrtel. It doesn't matter which Liverpool centre-back makes my selection, both players are causing Jamie Carragher a great deal of discomfort." Crooks told the BBC.

"With Skrtel defending so well and coming up with the occasional goal like he did against Aston Villa, there's clearly no room at the inn for Carragher this Christmas. Clean sheets are the order of the day."

Skrtel's prowess from offensive corner-kicks has been a potent weapon for Liverpool this season. The Anfield stalwart has scored three of Liverpool's last five goals from corners in the Premier League as well providing great protection for Pepe Reina's goal at the other end.

The 27-year-old's Liverpool career has been reignited following the arrival of Kenny Dalglish. Since the Scot returned to Anfield in January, the Slovakian international has been a mainstay of the club's recent revival.