Fic: Partnership
Title: Partnership
Pairing: Daniel Agger/Martin Škrtel
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Any fictitious relationships described within is true in the land of imagination only.
Summary: During the Liv-Aston Villa match. DANNY IS BACK =D =D
A/Ns: too good a match not to write one! =D
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated! Good/bad, either is fine. Thanks!
Partnership
The training and perseverance paid off. In a week and a half that saw Liverpool beat Real Madrid and Manchester United by shipping four goals apiece, United and Chelsea stuttering, as well as Rafa Benítez sign a new contract, Daniel Agger got his silver lining. He was back on the team sheet, albeit on the bench. Which was fair, he never expected to go straight back into the line up, not when Carra and Škrtel have been playing as immensely as they have been, not to mention, Sami as well. But he had his chance, and should Liverpool be winning comfortably, he may very well get a taste of the match, even if it’s just for building fitness.
Soaring on the recent form and success, Liverpool were rampant against Aston Villa. Within ten minutes, the Reds were leading thanks to a free kick won by Riera, taken by Steven Gerrard, flicked on by Xabi Alonso, rebounded by the far post before being buried by Dirk Kuyt. It was the scenic route but a magnificent and telling goal. Liverpool were out to win this, and they determined. No parked bus will hinder them; they want all three points and goals galore.
If the first goal was scenic, the second was the short cut. After surviving a brief session of pressure from Villa, Pepe gathered a weak shot and quickly booted it long to Riera who controlled it with one touch before releasing a cracking shot into the near corner. Just past the half hour and Liverpool had a two goal cushion. Only, they didn’t want to stop there. Reira involved once again, a penalty was rewarded after Reo-Coker brought him down in the box. Steven Gerrard, facing his third spot kick in three matches, duly converted. Not even half way, and Liverpool had three under their belts. It didn’t look like they were going to pass up that silver platter that Saturday football handed to them, what with both United and Chelsea suffering losses.
Second half began and more of the same stuff materialised. Liverpool won another free kick at a dangerous spot, just outside the box. Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso stood over the ball, waiting somewhat impatiently as Villa organised their wall. The whistle went and blue shirts rushed out. In the midst of confusion of appealing to the ref, Xabi tapped the ball forward and Steven Gerrard stroked it home. Four nil. Villa were out of the tie now.
To make matters worse, Friedel was sent off for blocking Fernando Torres in the box after the lithe Spaniard had collected a brilliant pass from Xabi and skipped past the hapless keeper. A red card and a penalty ensued. Villa’s second keeper tugged on his gloves bravely as he walked on to face another Steven Gerrard penalty. Stevie took it, the same as he did before, and the keeper had no chance. The game was done and buried, Steven Gerrard had his hat trick and Liverpool were five up.
The same man that Benítez had wanted to replace Xabi Alonso with was no match for the Spaniard. Liverpool out played Aston Villa but that’s not to say that Pepe had nothing to do. In fact, Pepe had an excellent match, several brilliant saves and all, but as a team, Liverpool were dominant. And on the scoreboard, there was no competition. Finally, with five goals scored, Rafa felt comfortable enough to give Daniel Agger a run out. After expressing his hope that the Danish International will renew his contract with Liverpool, Rafa was putting his words into action by giving Agger a chance to build some match fitness and work his way back into the team. Not only that, Carragher was moved to the right, allowing the two young centrebacks a opportunity to shine together in the middle.
Martin Škrtel gave Daniel but a brief nod as the Dane jogged onto the pitch. A professional tip of the head to acknowledge his new partner. It wasn’t as if he wanted to be paired with Daniel, but the manager said so, and he’ll accept that. They were different players, they had different styles and whilst Martin was trying hard to expand his repertoire, Daniel would still be the better mover of the ball. Playing directly next to him would highlight his shortcomings. Still, for twenty minutes, they will have to suck it in and work together.
Daniel savoured the cool feel of the kit against his skin, the breeze as he ran on the soft green pitch and the roar of the supporters at Anfield. He really missed it, the atmosphere. Hopefully this time, he was back for good. No more niggling injuries to sideline him. Perhaps he would have preferred to play alongside Jamie or Sami, for he knew them better, were more attuned to their styles of play, the runs they would make and he could cover for them easier. Still, Rafa had said, the future is Martin. And the future is himself. They will have to learn to overcome their differences and be partners.
Looking up the field, the familiar open ground welcomed him invitingly. The ball at his feet, he skipped up, dodging players as he went and eventually trying to release El Niño. Fernando, whom he had promised to try to provide an assist to. It looked like, maybe today could be the day. Unfortunately, the linesman disagreed for he flagged Torres offside. Daniel didn’t mind. There will be chances later. Fernando, perhaps the only frustrated Liverpool player on the pitch, slumped his shoulders and swallowed his anger. The goal posts stood mockingly bright and Fernando knew he should have, could have scored. It just wasn’t happening for him today.
Without Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s midfield was less dominating, allowing Villa back into the game a little. It didn’t matter for the result was already determined after but a few minutes into the second half. With their fans still singing their support, Aston Villa were bravely trying to preserve their dignity. New sub, Craig Gardner’s touch was too heavy and the ball ran away from him enough to allow Daniel to clear. However, in his haste to retrieve the ball, Gardner lunged in at the Dane’s legs and brought Agger down. The ref was quick to pull out his cards but not before Martin Škrtel took justice into his own hands and shoved Gardner roughly in retaliation. Craig looked at the Slovakian, slightly perplexed as to the tall defender’s reaction. Martin was seething, and he wasn’t even the one who was fouled. Daniel did not seem to be injured, thankfully, and Martin’s shoulders relaxed. He hadn’t even realised that they were tensed.
As Daniel continued to play, Martin figured, perhaps he didn’t dislike Daniel after all. Only, that would be as far as he was willing to go, in expressing his feelings. There was no way he was going to approach the Dane and confess to perhaps even liking him a little. Pushing the thought out of his mind, he concentrated on enjoying the remaining three minutes they had on the pitch together, for who knew when they would be given this opportunity again?
The final whistle went and Anfield exploded into a roar as they clapped their men on the pitch. Martin Škrtel grinned. Everyone was all smiles, a great win, lots of goals, and closing in on United on the table. There was plenty to smile about. Only the two tattooed centrebacks smiled for a different reason. Daniel smiled at being able to play again and Martin smiled because Daniel was.
Pairing: Daniel Agger/Martin Škrtel
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Any fictitious relationships described within is true in the land of imagination only.
Summary: During the Liv-Aston Villa match. DANNY IS BACK =D =D
A/Ns: too good a match not to write one! =D
Feedback: Would be greatly appreciated! Good/bad, either is fine. Thanks!
Partnership
The training and perseverance paid off. In a week and a half that saw Liverpool beat Real Madrid and Manchester United by shipping four goals apiece, United and Chelsea stuttering, as well as Rafa Benítez sign a new contract, Daniel Agger got his silver lining. He was back on the team sheet, albeit on the bench. Which was fair, he never expected to go straight back into the line up, not when Carra and Škrtel have been playing as immensely as they have been, not to mention, Sami as well. But he had his chance, and should Liverpool be winning comfortably, he may very well get a taste of the match, even if it’s just for building fitness.
Soaring on the recent form and success, Liverpool were rampant against Aston Villa. Within ten minutes, the Reds were leading thanks to a free kick won by Riera, taken by Steven Gerrard, flicked on by Xabi Alonso, rebounded by the far post before being buried by Dirk Kuyt. It was the scenic route but a magnificent and telling goal. Liverpool were out to win this, and they determined. No parked bus will hinder them; they want all three points and goals galore.
If the first goal was scenic, the second was the short cut. After surviving a brief session of pressure from Villa, Pepe gathered a weak shot and quickly booted it long to Riera who controlled it with one touch before releasing a cracking shot into the near corner. Just past the half hour and Liverpool had a two goal cushion. Only, they didn’t want to stop there. Reira involved once again, a penalty was rewarded after Reo-Coker brought him down in the box. Steven Gerrard, facing his third spot kick in three matches, duly converted. Not even half way, and Liverpool had three under their belts. It didn’t look like they were going to pass up that silver platter that Saturday football handed to them, what with both United and Chelsea suffering losses.
Second half began and more of the same stuff materialised. Liverpool won another free kick at a dangerous spot, just outside the box. Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso stood over the ball, waiting somewhat impatiently as Villa organised their wall. The whistle went and blue shirts rushed out. In the midst of confusion of appealing to the ref, Xabi tapped the ball forward and Steven Gerrard stroked it home. Four nil. Villa were out of the tie now.
To make matters worse, Friedel was sent off for blocking Fernando Torres in the box after the lithe Spaniard had collected a brilliant pass from Xabi and skipped past the hapless keeper. A red card and a penalty ensued. Villa’s second keeper tugged on his gloves bravely as he walked on to face another Steven Gerrard penalty. Stevie took it, the same as he did before, and the keeper had no chance. The game was done and buried, Steven Gerrard had his hat trick and Liverpool were five up.
The same man that Benítez had wanted to replace Xabi Alonso with was no match for the Spaniard. Liverpool out played Aston Villa but that’s not to say that Pepe had nothing to do. In fact, Pepe had an excellent match, several brilliant saves and all, but as a team, Liverpool were dominant. And on the scoreboard, there was no competition. Finally, with five goals scored, Rafa felt comfortable enough to give Daniel Agger a run out. After expressing his hope that the Danish International will renew his contract with Liverpool, Rafa was putting his words into action by giving Agger a chance to build some match fitness and work his way back into the team. Not only that, Carragher was moved to the right, allowing the two young centrebacks a opportunity to shine together in the middle.
Martin Škrtel gave Daniel but a brief nod as the Dane jogged onto the pitch. A professional tip of the head to acknowledge his new partner. It wasn’t as if he wanted to be paired with Daniel, but the manager said so, and he’ll accept that. They were different players, they had different styles and whilst Martin was trying hard to expand his repertoire, Daniel would still be the better mover of the ball. Playing directly next to him would highlight his shortcomings. Still, for twenty minutes, they will have to suck it in and work together.
Daniel savoured the cool feel of the kit against his skin, the breeze as he ran on the soft green pitch and the roar of the supporters at Anfield. He really missed it, the atmosphere. Hopefully this time, he was back for good. No more niggling injuries to sideline him. Perhaps he would have preferred to play alongside Jamie or Sami, for he knew them better, were more attuned to their styles of play, the runs they would make and he could cover for them easier. Still, Rafa had said, the future is Martin. And the future is himself. They will have to learn to overcome their differences and be partners.
Looking up the field, the familiar open ground welcomed him invitingly. The ball at his feet, he skipped up, dodging players as he went and eventually trying to release El Niño. Fernando, whom he had promised to try to provide an assist to. It looked like, maybe today could be the day. Unfortunately, the linesman disagreed for he flagged Torres offside. Daniel didn’t mind. There will be chances later. Fernando, perhaps the only frustrated Liverpool player on the pitch, slumped his shoulders and swallowed his anger. The goal posts stood mockingly bright and Fernando knew he should have, could have scored. It just wasn’t happening for him today.
Without Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard, Liverpool’s midfield was less dominating, allowing Villa back into the game a little. It didn’t matter for the result was already determined after but a few minutes into the second half. With their fans still singing their support, Aston Villa were bravely trying to preserve their dignity. New sub, Craig Gardner’s touch was too heavy and the ball ran away from him enough to allow Daniel to clear. However, in his haste to retrieve the ball, Gardner lunged in at the Dane’s legs and brought Agger down. The ref was quick to pull out his cards but not before Martin Škrtel took justice into his own hands and shoved Gardner roughly in retaliation. Craig looked at the Slovakian, slightly perplexed as to the tall defender’s reaction. Martin was seething, and he wasn’t even the one who was fouled. Daniel did not seem to be injured, thankfully, and Martin’s shoulders relaxed. He hadn’t even realised that they were tensed.
As Daniel continued to play, Martin figured, perhaps he didn’t dislike Daniel after all. Only, that would be as far as he was willing to go, in expressing his feelings. There was no way he was going to approach the Dane and confess to perhaps even liking him a little. Pushing the thought out of his mind, he concentrated on enjoying the remaining three minutes they had on the pitch together, for who knew when they would be given this opportunity again?
The final whistle went and Anfield exploded into a roar as they clapped their men on the pitch. Martin Škrtel grinned. Everyone was all smiles, a great win, lots of goals, and closing in on United on the table. There was plenty to smile about. Only the two tattooed centrebacks smiled for a different reason. Daniel smiled at being able to play again and Martin smiled because Daniel was.