Liverpool need to be defensively solid against Real Madrid on Tuesday evening, which is why Andy Robertson must start over Milos Kerkez.
Going into the 2025-26 season, most people thought that the Scotsman would be Kerkez’s back-up, but in reality, that’s been far from the case.
Each time Robertson has been chosen by Slot, the Reds have performed much better with Liverpool putting in one of their best performances of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday.
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot inspecting the pitch before the match during the Premier League match between Brentford and Liverpool at Gtech Community Stadium.
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
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The former Hull City man may not be as fast or as flashy as Kerkez, but in terms of what Liverpool need right now, he’s perfect.
Andy Robertson can help make Liverpool’s back four stronger against Real Madrid
Kerkez is still just 21 years old, so he has plenty of time to develop into a better version of himself.
Last season, he was named the best left-back in the Premier League by the PFA, and although he hasn’t lived up to those standards this term, the fact that he’s been played outside of his preferred role by Slot hasn’t likely helped matters much.
The Reds’ back four has been a massive problem for them this season, that is, especially because of Ibrahima Konate’s terrible form.
However, with Robertson named in the starting XI, if Slot chooses to ask his left-back to tuck in alongside Virgil van Dijk as he has done numerous times this season, the full-back’s defensive work will benefit them massively.
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And, since they’re likely to be facing a strike force of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, and Rodrygo, they’re going to need to be on top form.
Milos Kerkez will eventually come good for Liverpool
Kerkez was one transfer that Liverpool’s fanbase knew they’d get over the line.
In his short career, the Hungarian has already played for AC Milan, Bournemouth, and AZ Alkmaar.
Even though things didn’t go too well for him in the Serie A, when he played for AZ Alkmaar and the Cherries, he thrived.
Most thought that the same thing would happen when he joined Liverpool, but since the Reds’ defence has been so poor, it has hindered the way Kerkez plays.
Milos Kerkez of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester United at Anfield
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
This has made it seem like the £45 million that Slot and Richard Hughes paid was far too much.
It’s still early in the season, and once the Reds’ first-team squad have all gelled together, we may finally see the best version of Kerkez come out, especially if he’s allowed to push forward and help out in attack.