Liverpool are set to pay the price for having too many gifted centre-backs as Daniel Agger complains about being down in the Anfield pecking order.
Both Skrtel and Carragher have been the pairing of choice for Benitez with both Hyypia and Agger limited to bit part roles in cup games and in the event of injuries.
“Let me be honest and admit that, if I don’t play, then it’s untenable and it can’t go on like that,” Agger said.
“It’s never nice for a footballer to not play regularly. That is something I will not hide. But my situation at the club is that he (Benitez) doesn’t want to let me play.
“So far I have opted to stay and wait for my chance and to fight for my place.
“I feel I am good enough. Therefore, it irritates me when I don’t play. I am waiting for the chance to play a number of matches and to show that I am good enough.”
Benitez warned Liverpool and Rick Parry before Christmas that an extended contract for Agger should have been tied up. But now, the inability of the Liverpool board to deal with a contract looks set to cost them – again.