Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has revealed that the increased competition for places at the club motivated him to improve.

The Reds spent big money over the last two seasons to recruit the services of a host of central defenders such as Mamadou Sakho, Tiago Illori and Dejan Lovren and due to the influx of these expensive signings, it was believed that Skrtel would fall down the pecking order at Anfield.

Rather than being fazed by the increased competition though, the Slovakian international has thrived at the heart of defence for Liverpool, establishing himself as a key component of Brendan Rodgers' plans.

Skrtel has now gone on to reveal that rather than hindering his progress, the new signings have pushed him to work even harder and as a result, he is reaping the rewards.

The 30-year old said: "I think that it's only a good thing when new players come into the team. It makes you feel the pressure to make you work even harder, it pushes you to work very hard and do your best in every single session. That is the key for every single player, not only the defenders."