Skrtel: Why Flanno's one of the best
He may not have grabbed the headlines like some of his more attack-minded teammates have in recent weeks, but Martin Srktel believes Jon Flanagan is currently one of Liverpool's most in-form players.
The 21-year-old delivered the latest in a string of composed and assured displays during Sunday's 3-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford in what has been a landmark season for the Scouser.
It was his 16th start of the campaign - a far cry from last term when he managed just two appearances. Indeed, he needs just one more run out to match his entire tally from the previous three seasons combined.
Skrtel told Liverpoolfc.com: "I am happy for Flanno. Obviously last season he wasn't starting games and it wasn't easy for him. He's a good lad and he's showing now he's a great footballer as well. He's one of our best players.
"It's no different whether he's playing on the right or left side; he's doing his job and enjoying his football. I hope he can stay fit, stay in form and continue with the performances he's shown up until now."
Skrtel added: "We are working on defending every single day in training and trying to improve things. Flanno is a young lad and needed the help of the manager.
"They've been working closely, he's been talking with him about what to improve and basically about what Flanno is doing now - he is in the team doing a great job."
Flanagan has started each of Liverpool's last nine matches after recovering from injury, operating at both right and left-back without any compromise on performance levels.
However, given their vast difference in experience, does Skrtel feel a need to nurture his defensive colleague through matches?
"Yes, I talk to him - it's part of the job of the defenders," replied the No.37. "But it's not only me. Jon also talks to me and we all communicate with each other and try to improve our game. That can only be helpful and help us improve."
Skrtel and Flanagan have helped combine with Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson to keep a pair of clean sheets in Liverpool's last two outings, at Southampton and Manchester United.
"It's very satisfying," stated the 29-year-old. "There was a lot of talk about the back four and goals we've conceded.
"In the last two games - away games against good teams - we've kept clean sheets. I am happy for that and happy for the rest of the lads.
"I just hope we can continue to repeat that in more games until the end of the season."
In keeping a shut out at Old Trafford on Sunday, Liverpool's rearguard were prepared to put their bodies on the line in order to block shots - most notably as Skrtel repelled an effort from Wayne Rooney in the first half.
Indeed, Agger sustained a black eye in the heat of battle following an aerial collision with Simon Mignolet.
Asked if he was glad it wasn't him on the receiving end, Skrtel smiled: "Yeah! I had a similar problem a few weeks ago when I got knocked out in the FA Cup game [against Bournemouth].
"It's part of the game and it can happen, especially to defenders. I was happy Daniel was okay after it and was able to carry on with the game."