http://thebibtheorists.com/2013/11/20/whats-next-for-martin-kelly/ [HR][/HR] Liverpool are spoiled for choice in the centre of defence, with Daniel Agger, Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho, Kolo Toure, Tiago Ilori and Andre Wisdom (currently on loan at Derby County) all hoping to fill the central defensive positions for the club in the immediate and/or long term future. Another man, Martin Kelly who a few seasons ago was one of the most promising talents at the club, would currently fall last in the list of first team central defenders. Kelly’s problems began when he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in September 2012 before returning against Manchester United early this season only to be sidelined with yet another knock. Having recently returned to full fitness, the question is how does Rodgers best utilise Martin Kelly? Brendan Rodgers is a keen admirer of Kelly and his talents, and has been for quite a while. He made it no secret that he wanted to take him on loan while at Swansea and underlined his importance to the club by offering him a new long term contract back in February. Speaking at the time, Rodgers said: So, we know that the manager values Kelly and is keen to develop and continue his progress as a player. However, the defensive additions that were made in the summer have made it increasingly difficult for Kelly to even get onto the pitch as a substitute, never mind in the starting eleven. The transition from being a fairly regular starter before his injury to not playing regular football at all now, he has learnt the harsh realities of football and the consequences that injuries can bring. However, this does not in any way mean his career at Liverpool has met a dead end, which is what some are suggesting. The management just need to find a way to integrate Kelly back into the side in some capacity, as anyone who has watched him will have seen the fantastic ability he has to be a top player for both club and country. We must remember that with Liverpool now being in just two competitions this season, the chances for Kelly to start any games are now very slim. If like last season Liverpool were competing in the Europa League, that could have been the perfect opportunity to give Martin game time. Kelly is very comfortable with the ball at his feet and also carries a great ariel threat and it is this versatility that makes Kelly such an interesting player. Although he exceeded expectations playing as a right back, Kelly is a centre back by trade and he will naturally be hoping that he will get the chance to move inside in the coming years as it is highly unlikely that he will ever usurp the outstanding Glen Johnson at right back. With Kolo Toure being at the latter stages of his career a space in that back two, or three, will become available for competiton within the next couple of seasons. This in no way means Kelly will just walk into that position. He won’t. He’ll have to compete with Illori, Wisdom and any potential new signings for it. However, he will have much more of a chance of competing for a role as by that time he should be completely up to speed and just as eager to compete for his place knowing that he has a decent chance. Having been spotted by Liverpool scouts at the very young age of seven, he has been connected to the club for the entirety of his career and therefore knows the values and importance of the club. Rodgers is very keen on this type of player and this therefore almost gives Kelly a head start. However, Martin can’t just sit and wait for his time to come. He has said he is willing to be “patient”, but he needs to get out and play. And when he gets his chance, he really must take it. Rodgers has recently said that he will be rotating his back four over the next few weeks and this almost certainly means that Kelly will get his chance to get out onto the pitch. It is well known that Rodgers has been ruthless when it comes to dropping players, the vice captain Daniel Agger recently experiencing this. If Kelly impresses, he may not need to wait for his position to open up. Being a local lad, he will bring an aura of authority to the pitch that others do not have. This is pivotal to the club, especially in the absence of Jamie Carragher, and many have touted Kelly as the ideal replacement. It may be a few more seasons until we see him fully develop into this all rounded central defender, but the process starts now. Despite the rotational changes that will occur to the side over the next few weeks, I would expect to see Kelly being reintroduced into the side as a regular substitute when being in comfortable positions. It is relatively obvious that Rodgers’ four main centre backs are Agger, Sakho, Skrtel and Toure. With the current trend of three at the back, it means that bringing on Kelly instead of a main choice, not only rests a main centre back, but also gives the side more flexibility and options as well as developing this promising young talent. Most of Martin Kelly’s appearances have been at right back for Liverpool. Due to his large athletic build, some have suggested that his injuries have occurred due to the fact that his body simply cannot cope with the demands of the right back position. A move to centre back will surely help maintain his fitness and I would expect to see Rodgers start treating him as a centre back. What is important, is that Kelly is slowly integrated back into the side to begin with as a regular substitute, because with age on his side as well as obvious talent, he can become a fantastic player for Rodgers and Liverpool. He must however, take his chances when they come his way, as they may be few and far between.
I'm a big fan of Kelly we need local lads in our team and he has the quality to be the one who makes it. He will get games this season and he has to do well and push for a starting place, this is a season where he needs to come in and out of the team and stay fit. If he does this I can see him pushing for a starting place next season.
Kelly is a good player, but his injury record is a concern and could cost him at Liverpool. By the way, Jimmy deserves a title. 'On Topic Savior'
injury prone is the biggest concern, also the fact that we keep saying he is a CB yet when he comes back from injury and plays it is usually at RB and expected to bomb up and down the wings. just wish we would decide if he is going to be a CB then give him a ruddy chance just to play there and stop this RB rubbish.
Is Kelly technically good enough? On the wing, he's a very strong and powerful runner - but can he pass and control, move and occupy the space? .. Just putting it out there ...
Kelly is an outstanding prospect, who has been very unfortunate with injuries. As Zingy said, if he can get out of the injury rut, he'll be great for us. **** England.
To be honest, I'd prefer someone else better who specializes that area. GJ is great, but when he's crocked then what?
he was the last time i saw him play there Jimmy, but his injury problems are a concern and the position i think is silly, if we class him as a CB then stop playing him RB and maybe his injury concerns will go in time. he can do what Agger does 1-2 times a game and bomb forward when the chance is there but RB he is doing it too much.
I can see Skrtel leaving in January, and Agger not too far behind. Just that feeling I have. Combined with the fact that Toure was brought him to be back up, his chances may not be that limited ...
dont see Skrtel on that list for long, and also add Illori there as well, if he cant get CB position, are we going to keep an injury prone RB just because he has been at the club for so long though? rather take a chance on Mclaughlin, also the all important thing as far as the owners are concerned, be better for wages bill.
McLaughlin is definitely a more natural fit for RB than Kelly. The sooner Kelly shifts in the centre, the better but as you have mentioned, there is a lot of competition...
Rodgers is apparently after a RCB to form a partnership with Sakho. Papa (Schalke) is his ideal signing but the injuries are becoming a concern.
any update on that? i know we was monitoring the situation, but haven't heard anything for a while, is he still fooked.
I think a loan to someone like Hull would do him good, they have some shocking defenders like Paul McShane that play every week so he will get games there and by the time he comes back he will be fully fit and might even have less competition for the CB spots. Its funny how him and Coates were looked at as the future of our defence at one point.
