Daniel Agger – Denmark

Full Name: Daniel Munthe Agger
Date of Birth: 12th December, 1984
Position: Defender (Centre-Back)

Current Club: Liverpool (England)
2009/2010 Apps-Goals: 36-1

International Appearances: 30
International Goals: 3

For a team like Denmark; only considered a possible dark horse and not a serious player in South Africa, some solid foundations are important if the Danes wish to enjoy a successful run and match their previous best when reaching the quarter-finals at France ’98. During qualifying for South Africa, of which the Danes finished a fiercely competitive Group A in the European sector top above the likes of Portugal, Sweden and Hungary, coach Morten Olson put together a formidable defensive unit.

In 10 qualifiers Denmark conceded just five goals and claimed the honour of having the fifth best defensive record in Europe, bettering that of England, France and even World champions Italy. A large portion of the credit went in Thomas Sorenson’s direction, and rightly so as the Stoke City keeper was outstanding and demonstrated throughout why he’s held in such high regard by many of his peers. However, Sorenson wouldn’t have had such a glistening record were it not for his defensive forcefield and at the heart od the Danish defence was a player which missed parts of qualifying but was still able to cement his palace in the heart of the back four when fit, and that was Liverpool’s Daniel Agger.

In an age where even defenders are expected to score their fair share of goals, Daniel Agger fits the bills ideally for Morten Olson, as the Liverpool centre-half’s qualities are purely restricted to defence. Whilst ensuring he remains reliable and trustworthy at the back; boasting great position sense and the ability to quickly read attacks, timely tackling and a great commander when in his own penalty area, Agger has been known to stray forward and seek out some striking glory instead of settling for the defensive limelight. Not only is Agger great in the air, a genuine threat from set-pieces, but he has one deadly left-boot on him, and when Daniel Agger eyes up the goal from distance, goalkeepers start trembling. He’s been seen scoring some absolute beauty’s for his club in England and the Dane won’t need any permission to stride forward in South Africa and have a pop at goal.

Daniel Agger is a very solid all-round defender, a player which rarely makes mistakes in his own half, but it’s the scoring options he gives you in the final third of the pitch which makes him an absolute must on the team sheet. Centre-backs which are sturdy at the back but are potent from set-pieces are fast becoming the norm these days and Morten Olsen will consider himself fortunate that he has the services of Daniel Agger in South Africa as well as many years down the line, as Daniel Agger has a bright future ahead of him.