Jamie Carragher urges Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel's importance to Liverpool

Jamie Carragher has insisted that Liverpool's defensive partnership of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel is the best in the country.

Agger was sent off on Saturday as Liverpool suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion in their opening Premier League match.

Carragher believes that holding onto the centre-back pair is integral to Brendan Rodgers's hopes of a successful season in charge at Anfield.

He said: "It's probably not so good for me but, joking apart, it's absolutely vital we keep them.

"I know Vincent Kompany was great for Manchester City last season but, for me, as a defensive partnership these two are the best in the Premier League.

"I don't think either has signed a new contract just yet but Martin is very close and Daniel wants to stay at Liverpool. That's brilliant news."

Agger has been persistently linked with a move to reigning champions Manchester City, with Rodgers determined to keep the Danish international.