Jamie Carragher believes that it is vital that Liverpool hold on to defensive pair Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel who have both been heavily linked with moves away from Anfield this summer.

The pair had a game to forget at the weekend as both were at fault in the 3-0 loss at West Brom which handed Liverpool their heaviest opening day defeat since 1937.

Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel
Agger and Skrtel have both been linked with moves away from Liverpool [Reuters]

Agger was shown a straight red card for bringing down Shane Long in the penalty area, while Skrtel also gave away a spot kick just minutes later when he brought down the same player after failing to clear his lines.

Despite this performance, Carragher believes that Liverpool must do everything possible to keep the two defenders at the club.

"It's probably not so good for me but, joking apart, it's absolutely vital we keep them," Carragher is quoted as saying on skysports.com.

"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 the subject of offers from Manchester City earlier this summer, while Skrtel has also been linked with the Premier League champions.

Neither player has put pen to paper on a new contract and there is a growing concern that they could be lured away from the club.

Liverpool do have options in defence, with Carragher one of the players that could come into the side, but Sebastian Coates and Martin Kelly both lack experience and are just beginning their careers.

Last season the pair did impress as Liverpool did only conceded 38 league goals; the problems coming ahead of them with a lack of goals contributing to an incredibly disappointing season for Reds fans.