Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has claimed that his performance in his side's win over Manchester United early last season helped him become an integral part of the team.
The 29-year-old played in 36 games in the Premier League for Brendan Rodgers's side after missing the first two matches of the campaign.
The Slovakia international has pinpointed his display against the Red Devils as the turning point that made him indispensable to the Reds.
Skrtel told the club's official website: "It was first due to performances in training, and then matches.
"This season there was a watershed match with Manchester United at Anfield, where I was declared man of the match - and after that, I played in all the matches, nearly 40 games.
"Only the goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, played more [in the league]. I also scored seven goals, which is the highest among the defenders in the league, so I think that also helped."
Liverpool conceded 50 goals in the Premier League last season.
Simon Sinclair
