With Liverpool stalwart Jamie Carragher due to retire at the end of the season, the focus has turned to his replacement. Feyenoord duo Bruno Martins Indi and Stefan De Vrij have been touted as possible replacements along with Athletic Bilbao defender Fernando Amorebieta and Swansea captain Ashley Williams. I've always thought Carra's natural successor is one of our own in Martin Kelly. Kelly has been plagued with injury problems but i've always seen his best position at CB, where he played at for the reserves and academy. Do you guys think he is ready to compete for that CB spot next season considering he stays fit?
not sure on the injuries situation. any one know off the top of their head how Kelly has got most of his injuries? he has played at RB and been bombing down the wing, just wondering if most of them have been hammys, which if played at CB wont be so much of an issue.
I said exactly the same a few weeks ago as well as he's done at right back I think it may well be part of the problem. I'd love to see him given a chance at centre back but unfortunately given his injury record BR will have to try and sign a replacement for Carra (and Skrtel perhaps). Unfortunately that will probably mean Kelly not getting much game time. He's at a tricky stage of his career now and it will be nightmarish for him (and us as well) if injuries rob him of chances.
He signed a new contract so he obviously wants to be with us but as Billy says until he can remain fit long term he may have to accept a place on the bench and cup games.
And I can't help feeling that is going to stunt his development unfortunately mate. He desperately needs an injury free run next season to at least stake a claim. Unfortunately Rodgers simply can't gamble on him being fit so will have to buy anyway. Wisdom is worth a mention here too as a possible. Still a bit raw obviously but he's a big lad, decent in the air and seems to read the game pretty well for a young lad.
If he stays fit next season he will give Rodgers section problems, it's the if that's the worry. I agree on Wisdom he's another that played at CB in the academy.
I dont think Kelly is vocal enough. Of the players we have id like to see Wisdom get a chance at CB. It is his normal position, he is a natural ball player and is England u19 captain so can help to replace Carragher in the future as a leader on the pitch aswell.
I think he's capable of it and hope he does take over. We do need an additional CB anyway. Welcome to the site
I think that will come with age & maturity. CB's don't attain their full potential until they've got 100+ games under their belt
Kells should be fit to play some time in April, will defo get a shot at CB next season and maybe even this
Kelly could play anywhere. He is faster than the speed of light, can see through steal and catch bullets with his teeth
It would be ideal if he could get 5 or 6 games under his belt at the end of this season at CB. I just can't see a future for him long term at full back simply because of the toll it seems to be taking on him. It's always tough to know if a player will make it at centre half, as Jonesy says it takes a lot of games before they grow into that position. Even Hyppia and Henchoz took months to click. Fingers crossed for him anyway because he really has got a lot of potential.
Kelly is a very good and string defender who is very comfortable on the ball. But his experience in CB is limited mainly to England U21 matches so far.
He's a good right back. So was rob jones. Hope he can prove his fitness but I think ultimately his fitness problems will stop him fulfilling his potential.
