Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has praised his centre-back partner Daniel Agger.

Skrtel, 26, has paired up with Agger in each of Liverpool's last six games, conceding just three goals and holding off competition for places from Jamie Carragher and Sebastian Coates.

"Daniel is a top quality player and is easy to play alongside," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I think we are doing well together.

"We have a very good understanding on the pitch which is important and we are working hard and enjoying our job."

Skrtel also praised the atmosphere at the club, as well as the strength in depth of the squad ahead of a busy fixture period.

"I'm really enjoying my football under the manager. The atmosphere around the club is very good and he has played me in almost every single game which gives me a lot of confidence.

"I'm happy I am playing and I am working as hard as I can to stay in the team.

"Our squad is now very strong. That is very important for the team because we have a lot of games in front of us, especially January when we have cup matches as well, so we need everybody fresh."

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League and travel to ninth-placed Aston Villa on Sunday.