'We had no doubts about Daniel'

Daniel Agger's former youth team coach, Rumen Jensen, insists he always knew the Danish international would make it to the top level in football.

The defender, who was handed Liverpool's vice-captaincy last month, demonstrated huge potential from a young age.

However, there was initial concern over Agger's size - the youngster was not the tallest of his Brondby teammates.

Following a growth spurt, Agger became better accustomed to the centre-back role, and his hard-working attitude helped steer him through.

"We did not worry that Daniel wouldn't make it because of his height," he told the official LFC magazine.

"But he probably couldn't have been a centre-back being so small. His determination said to me that he would have been a top footballer no matter his size.

"As soon as he had a growth spurt he learned how to use his body. As a second-year player, you could see how his understanding had improved.

"If there was a weakness, he found a way to adapt and get better."

Jensen's first impression of Agger was a lasting one and his hard-working attitude enabled the centre-back to stand out from the rest at a tender age.

Even though a career in football beckoned for the youngster, Agger still found it important to finish school.

Jensen continued: "He had the ability and determination to do both [football and school]. We know that some footballers who come to us never make it as professionals.