'Martin has taken on Carragher's mantle'
With seven goals to his name this season, Martin Skrtel finds himself just one strike away from Emlyn Hughes' 1971-72 record of the highest tally for a defender in one campaign.
But the Slovakian's contribution in the opposition's penalty area is just one aspect of his game which Reds legend Phil Thompson believes has made him an integral part of Brendan Rodgers' team this term.
Speaking exclusively to LFCTV GO, the former Liverpool captain explained how, in the absence of Jamie Carragher, Skrtel has stepped up and become a natural leader at the back.
The No.37 has started all but two of Liverpool's Barclays Premier League games this season – and 'Thommo' believes his manager's instructions have helped bring out the best in the 29-year-old.
"Skrtel has been absolutely magnificent for the team and the club this season," he commented. "He's shown tremendous character and commitment, as well as the qualities of a leader.
"With Carra gone, Martin has been a leader in the defence, which is the biggest compliment I can pay him, taking over Carra's mantle and being truly fantastic.
"Low and behold, he embarrasses all of us central defenders by scoring so many goals - he's been terrific in the opposition penalty area.
"It's been difficult for our defenders, because we play a certain style of play - which is wonderful to watch and brings greats rewards. But it comes at a cost sometimes when you want to play out from the goalkeeper and the defence.
"What Brendan has done so well is to take that responsibility on himself. If a defender makes a mistake in trying to play out from the back, he takes the pressure off them by saying it's his fault, not theirs.
"So it can be a risk to play that way, but my word what a risk it's been when you consider how well we've played this season, thrilling not only us as Liverpool fans but the rest of the country as well."
It's a style of football that has propelled Liverpool five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with just three games remaining in the current campaign.
Thompson knows that if the Reds can continue such scintillating form, it could hand him huge bragging rights over Jeff Stelling and co on Sky Sports' 'Soccer Saturday' show, for which Thommo is a regular.
"They're dreading Liverpool winning the title," he laughed. "Paul Merson, Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and even Jeff Stelling, because I don't think they could bear me if we did.
"I walk into the offices of a Saturday morning singing 'We're gonna win the league!' to wind them up.
"They know what it would mean to me if we did win the league because I'm a supporter. We all have our own clubs; 'Le Tiss' gets behind Southampton and 'Merse' follows Arsenal, which is what makes the show so good."