Totally agree... start in a position and don't need to back off as you can win the ball. But Skrtel doesn't like it, he wants to drop deep and defend his 18 yard box which as we've had no proper DM in place allows players to just run at him.
Because of that and the fact he's not the best 1v1 defender I think he feels more comfortable just backing off so he can't be beaten. Occassionaly fine as allows others to come back and cover, but often it leaves big space for forwards to progress into and gives them a free shot.
Skrtel no doubt has a place in the squad and is better than Lovren/Toure/Ilori (although I'd love to see Ilori given a proper go) and he does have strengths. I've said many times as the spare man in a back 3 he's all you could ask for. Someone that will attack the ball in the air and is comfortable in coming out and covering, knows his limitations on the ball so having 2 CB's either side and a CM infront means he will always have an easy pass on as well so won't ut team under pressure with a bad pass forward.
I agree we should be looking to improve on Skrtel (amongst others) but you're making a Jimmyesque mistake as that's not (and never has been) my point. My point is that at the moment he deserves BETTER than just a place in the squad.....as there isn't anyone better IN THE SQUAD

Yes he backs off to his 18 yard box....just as Terry backed off and backed off countless times when AVB was having his Chelsea nightmare. The reason is they start off too high and then can't cope. I'm not comparing them in terms of ability but style, they are both good old fashioned English style centre backs who play best in and around the 18 yard box. Skrtel isn't the problem (neither is Sakho really), the way Rodgers sets us up is. He can buy all the players he wants to fit this defence but I'm still not convinced it will ever make much difference unless the new coaching staff knock some sense into him. Have a decent back four with full backs who support attacks when necessary (not attack at will) and give them at least one man in midfield who offers them decent protection and eases the pressure. Had he spent his first season or two solidifying the back line he could have let the rest just get on with it.
