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Brendan Rodgers has hailed the contribution of “colossus” Martin Skrtel to Liverpool's title challenge.

The Reds boss has been delighted by the manner in which the Slovakian centre-back has re-established himself at Anfield this term.

Since missing the opening two matches Skrtel has been ever present and will make his 33rd successive Premier League start against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Sunday.

“Martin has been a colossus for us throughout this season,” Rodgers told the ECHO.

“His performances speak for themselves. I think he's been the top centre-half in the Premier League, alongside Vincent Kompany.

“I see a more complete defender now. I have great admiration for him.”

Being described by his manager as “a colossus” - the same nickname given to legendary Reds centre-back Ron Yeats by Bill Shankly in the 1960s – underlines just how far Skrtel has come.

He looked set to leave Anfield last summer after starting just two league games between mid-January and May.

However, he vowed to stay put and force his way back into Rodgers' plans. He has done that in style by starring at both ends of the field.

With seven league goals already this season, he has equalled his haul for the four previous campaigns combined.

“Obviously during my time here it's not always been plain sailing for Martin,” Rodgers said.

“At the start of the season he probably felt that he wasn't going to start. It was difficult for him over pre-season but he never stopped working.

“What he's shown is that willingness to adapt his game in order to improve. Learning to play how we want to play has made him a better player.

“Tactically, he has taken on board what I've spoken to him about and the intelligence in his game has grown.

“He's very comfortable on the ball and his reading of the game and his awareness has become better.

“He has added to his power game. Now he knows the right times to use his aggression. That aggression is still there but he has added a bit of subtlety to his defending.

“He has also shown his threat from set-pieces. His movement to score from the corner against Man City was excellent. He's the highest scoring defender in the Premier League.

“My staff and I are here just as facilitators. We can coach them to become better but for that to happen the player has to have that willingness to want to do it.

“It's a great credit to Martin. He has shown that desire to fit into the model of how we want to work. I really admire players of that personality.”

The title-chasing Reds will equal a club record if they secure a sixth successive away league win on Sunday.

Having already netted 42 goals on their travels, Rodgers' side are also one goal away from setting a new club record for away goals in a league season.

Ten points from their final four matches will be enough for Liverpool to be crowned champions. But the manager insists the Reds' bold mentality won't change regardless of the circumstances or the opposition over the coming weeks.

“We want to win every game between now and the end of the season,” Rodgers said.

“Regardless of the situation at the top, our attitude in the games we've got left will be to go out and win it.

“We will keep doing what has got us this far. But for now our only focus is on Norwich.”

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