Liverpool FC: Gareth Bale Will Take Advantage of Martin Skrtel
Martin Skrtel has transitioned admirably into the right-back position, but he faces an uphill battle in handling Gareth Bale when Liverpool takes on Tottenham on September 18th.
Injuries and an influx of talent has forced Skrtel out of position. Thus far, he's taken the challenge head on and excelled in doing so. That will all change when he has to take on Bale though.
Bale has the skillset to take advantage of a "green" and out of position Skrtel. Bale is incredibly gifted, and while he has his faults defensively, he makes up for it offensively to say the least.
Skrtel has to know the uphill battle that he faces. He's not ready to take on a player of this caliber from the right-back position and he's doomed to struggle mightily in this lopsided matchup.
Kenny Dalglish is running a huge risk by entrusting Skrtel with the task of taking care of Bale, but it's not as though he has much choice. This will also be a great opportunity to find out just what they have in Skrtel.
This is just the measuring stick they need to find out if Skrtel can truly handle the position change. If he rises to this occasion, it's hard to imagine him struggling there against anyone else. On the other hand, tanking this match will prove that he is in fact not as versatile as the team hopes.
Liverpool has faith that Skrtel will be able to hold his own. After a scoreless loss to Stoke City, Liverpool can't afford to drop another match. They need a win and gambling on Skrtel in this match is a dangerous move.
Obviously, they want Skrtel to know that he has their full confidence, but they have to be concerned heading to the match. Bale is a difference maker and letting him get going will spell certain defeat for Liverpool, who are looking to get back on track after a few up-and-down matches.
