As a young boy, Daniel Agger started his career in Rosenhøj Boldklub and after some years, he made the switch to Brondby to be part of their successful youth academy.
In 2004, Agger matured and his talent could not be questioned any longer.
He quickly established himself as a real key figure in the team, who were crowned Danish champions the following year in 2005.
It was partly his high-class passing combined with his sublime qualities as a defender, which made him incredibly interesting for a number of top European clubs. However, in January 2006, Agger chose the red part of Merseyside and became part of Liverpool Football Club under Rafael Benitez. At the time, he was the most expensive defender Liverpool had ever bought.
It didn’t take Agger long time to find his feet in Liverpool and he made his debut against Birmingham on February 1st 2006. He then managed to represent Liverpool’s first team four times in the remainder of the season.
In the following season (06/07), Agger stepped up his game. He managed to win a place in the starting line-up at the expense of a Kop favourite Sami Hyypiä. Agger played 43 matches across all competitions and scored four goals. One of those goals is his iconic longshot against West Ham.
Also the 06/07 season saw the Reds reach another Champions League final after a memorable semi-final against Chelsea. Once again the opponent was A.C. Milan, the same opponent they had faced 04/05, delivering one of the most famous and iconic comebacks to win the club’s fifth Champions League title. Although Agger and the rest of Liverpool fought inspiringly, Carlo Ancelotti and his team should prove to be too much of a challenge for the Reds.
However, Agger had been fantastic and he had really showcased his quality throughout the season. I wish I could stop here by saying “Then Daniel continued his career with playing 500 consecutive matches and winning three championships”, but we all know it didn’t go that way. In addition, to Agger’s great talent, his incredible professionalism, and loyal personality, then there was one thing that would overshadow Agger’s remaining time in Liverpool and indeed the rest of his career. Injuries.
The following seasons brought great frustration for Agger, but also for those connected to Liverpool. Because when he played, he would show commitment and courage. He always gave 100% and he was a treat to watch when he would start an attack from the back. He was a true leader and he would be one of Liverpool’s best – when he played – unfortunately, the next three years were a bit of a roller-coaster with up and downs.
During Benitez’s last year he was often injured and under Roy Hodgson he was used at left-back, which resulted in (very rare for Agger) him talking to the press about being unhappy with his situation.
In Kenny Dalglish’s first and last full season (11/12) Agger was again important and played a lot, there was only a short period with a minor injury, but still Daniel played 34 matches across all competitions. Furthermore, Barcelona had seen Agger as the perfect successor to Carles Puyol and were very interested in him over a couple of years. However, Agger’s love for Liverpool couldn’t be matched by money, the nice Spanish weather and the chance for regular Champions League football.
He then had two years with Brendan Rodgers, including the famous title challenge that left us just short of a title. That was the last season for Agger at Anfield. He had gotten plenty of playing time in Brendan’s first season and had stayed in Liverpool with the promise that the team would be built around him and Steven Gerrard.
Nevertheless, Agger was somewhat betrayed, because the arrival of Mamadou Sakho saw him left on the bench for most of the games. It was the promise of his importance in Liverpool that had been broken and that ultimately led to Agger leaving Liverpool after eight years of service.
Upon his farewell, he ensured he would never betray the club and the supporters by playing for one of Liverpool’s rivals. Agger was true to his word as always and made the switch back home to familiar surroundings in Brondby.
Agger is, to me, one of the best defender we’ve ever had, a true leader who put the club above his own dreams and ambitions because there is no doubt in my mind that he could have played in Barcelona and won several championships. Championships he could only dream of at Liverpool.
It is the quality and loyalty that Agger showed in his eight years in Liverpool that to me, despite all the problems he had, makes him a legend in my opinion. Thanks for everything Dagger, I wish you all the best in the future.
