Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has rubbished rumours of the Reds trying to offload defender Daniel Agger onto Barcelona and hailed him an ‘important member of the squad.’
Agger, 29, has been a key part of the Liverpool back-four since his arrival in 2006 and earned himself the privilege of promotion to vice-captain when fan’s favourite Jamie Carragher retired last summer.
Around the same time, reports were starting to emerge that linked the player with a move to Spain and Barcelona were believed to be in talks with Liverpool over a deal for the Dane.
With a somewhat touch-and-go 2013/2014 season – just 20 Premier League appearances for Liverpool (16 of those starts) and taking into account a handful of games skipped owing to injury – suspicions have been mounting over Reds coach Rodgers’ intentions with the player for next season.
It had been suggested that the northern Irishman would be keen cash-in on the centre-back should a suitable bid by placed on the table by Barca, however he has since quashed any speculation by hailing the Dane for his experience and value to the team and drawing attention to the fact he signed a new three-year contract with Liverpool last year.
He told Sky Sports News: “Daniel is one of a number of excellent players that we have playing at the back.
“He has been unfortunate in the time that I’ve been at the club because the big issue for Dan has been his availability. He has been out injured for a number of games.
“But he’s an excellent player, an international captain, and he’s had a very good career at Liverpool.
“He’s at a good age, 29, and his experience can be good for us this season. He signed a new contract last season.”
Rodgers then made reference to yesterday’s Liverpool pre-season friendly fixture that Agger captained against Danish side Brondby, but unfortunately for the Reds, the defender did not lead them to victory (they lost 2-1).
“You saw in the first half (against Brondby) that he’s an excellent player, a very good footballer and someone that is an important member of our squad.”