**Andy Robertson “just can’t be left out” for Liverpool after shining in the 1-0 win over Real Madrid, according to journalist Henry Winter.**
The Reds were exceptional on Tuesday night, getting the better of the La Liga giants in the Champions League, thanks to Alexis Mac Allister’s second-half header.
There were great performances throughout the team, from Conor Bradley to Florian Wirtz, with so many playing a part in a vital victory for Liverpool.
Robertson got the nod over Milos Kerkez at left-back against Madrid and rolled back the years with a near-perfect display, being lauded by Winter on [_X_](https://x.com/henrywinter/status/1985832266434482285) after the game:
_“Andy Robertson is the left-back who just can’t be left out. He has such high standards, demanding of himself and others. He brings intensity, belief and defensive nous. He’ll need occasional rest, he’s 31, Kerkez can step in, but LFC look tougher to beat with Robertson.”_
**Robertson has to be starting over Kerkez for Liverpool**
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Robertson started the season with so many calling for him to become a squad depth, not least because of Kerkez’s big-money move from Bournemouth in the summer, and the fact that the Scot had struggled at times during the title-wiinning campaign.
But he has been excellent in recent weeks, bringing experience and solidity that Kerkez has failed to in a Liverpool shirt to date, and he has played an important role in the Reds’ return to the form.
At 31 years of age, Robertson can’t constantly play three games a week now, but he has to be seen as Liverpool’s go-to left-back option in the big games, meaning he must retain his place for Sunday’s crucial trip to Manchester City in the Premier League.
There is every chance that Kerkez will come good as the years pass, and he is still a very young player, but he feels like a more erratic presence in the team currently, and taking him out of the firing line makes sense.
Robertson has been invaluable of late, particularly against Madrid, showing that he still has a key role to play, and is potentially deserving of a contract extension at Anfield.