Agger: I want to score 20 goals a Season
from the official
Daniel Agger believes Liverpool's offensive approach to matches is assisting the team's defensive ranks - and insists the Reds are ready to attack Sparta Prague as they look to book a place in the next round of the Europa League.
Kenny Dalglish's charges ground out a goalless draw in the Czech Republic last week, and the Dane is anticipating a forward-thinking display from the Reds as they aim to last up a meeting with either Lech Poznan or SC Braga in the last 16 of the competition.
Liverpool have looked a more potent threat in recent weeks, and Agger feels their offensive outlook is in turn helping bolster their defensive ranks, with the team conceding just once in their last six outings.
He said: "You have to look at the team which is exactly the same (as under Roy Hodgson). Kenny came in with new ideas, and they made us really happy about playing football.
"That has been the main reason why we've improved defensively because we're keeping the ball going forward."
He continued: "We will approach Thursday like we do every home game.
"Try to get forward and keep the ball, playing attacking football, and at Anfield if we play well, it will be difficult for every team.
"So we've got a good chance, but it's not easy, it's never easy in the knockout stages."
European competition holds fond memories for Agger - but there is one night that stands out above all others for the defender.
The No.5 scored with a well-worked free-kick in the 2007 Champions League semi-final success over Chelsea at Anfield to help put Liverpool on their way to a penalty shootout victory and a place in the Athens final against AC Milan.
"It was so important, we lost 1-0 away, but we knew we had a good chance back at Anfield," Agger recalls.
"The fans and the crowd in the home tie was unbelievable.
"It was the best atmosphere I've ever heard, so we knew the crowd was behind us for the semi -final as well due to the noise they generated.
"The tie before that, against Barcelona, was another great atmosphere.
"But when we came onto the pitch to face Chelsea, I've never seen or heard anything like it.
"To score in a game like that - it wasn't the easiest goal - that was a great feeling for me.
"But also helping the team to the final was a great thing.
"We didn't work it out on the training pitch, but we knew before that if the chance came we would try it.
"We had talked about it, and when the moment came, both me and Stevie just saw the space.
"Obviously, it was a great ball from him, flat and hard on the ground, I just had to do the rest.
"We had a lead to defend, but it wasn't pressurised. Instead, I was thinking that if we scored one more goal then we were definitely through.
"That goal gave us the chance to play in the Champions League final."
Agger's notched seven goals since joining Liverpool from Brondby, helping to forge a reputation as one of the game's most cultured centre-backs.
"Getting forward and scoring goals is a big part of my game," he said. "I like to have the ball and play with the ball. For me, that's football.
"I knew coming to the English Premier League five years ago would be difficult as there's many physical teams. There's more of a long ball game here.
"Playing in England has been a challenge and I like that.
"But the way I play is on the ground and to try to win football games like that. But sometimes, you have to do it in other ways.
"A long time ago, I did play in midfield, for Brondby at a lower level.
"It wasn't my decision to go backwards in the formation in the team.
"You can ask every player here, all of them started up front, I think that's natural.
"I don't think you find your position until you're 14 or 15.
"I don't have a target for how many I would like to score each season. If I could, I would score 20, but I know that's not realistic.
"Five would be nice, but it's more important for me to keep a clean sheet. That's what we try and do every game, and if I get a goal that's just a bonus."