It felt like all eyes were on Trent Alexander-Arnold on Tuesday night. Even as he sat on the bench for Real Madrid, there was a television camera trained on him throughout, ready to cut straight to his nonplussed reaction at any given moment.
The return of Liverpool’s vice-captain was far from the only subplot adding some intrigue to proceedings in the Champions League though. In fact, his successor at right-back practically stole the show from him.
As Conor Bradley was busy pocketing Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, the player directly to his left might have been a little relieved not to be grabbing much attention.
Ibrahima Konate has not had the best of seasons so far, but he can be more than happy with his efforts against Real. The Spanish giants might not be too disappointed to see him performing well either.
There has been much speculation about the Frenchman’s future, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season, and the distinct possibility that he could be following in Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps soon.
As we approach the end of 2025, contract talk will no doubt ramp up - and not just for Konate. Already, it looks as though the club is getting its ducks in a row, with preliminary talks underway with Dominik Szoboszlai, while a new deal has also been touted for Ryan Gravenberch.
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But there is another pressing issue that no one seems to be talking about - although that might be about to change after the win over Real.
Like Konate, Andy Robertson’s contract is set to run out next summer. Given Milos Kerkez’s arrival during the summer, it did seem like the Scotland international’s future had taken a back seat.
Robertson though has perfectly demonstrated why he needs to be in the conversation if Liverpool is going to be handing out new deals soon. Although last season was far from his best, reports of his demise have been greatly exaggerated.
Liverpool, United Kingdom - November 4: Andy Robertson of Liverpool FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 4, 2025 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Andy Robertson's contract is set to expire next summer (Image: Getty Images)
With Kerkez struggling to find his feet, Robertson has been the perfect man to call upon over the last couple of games. An experienced head and leader in the dressing room, he has led by example against Aston Villa and Real as Liverpool has looked close to its best once again.
Robertson is far from done at the top level, and it feels like it would be far too premature if he was allowed to leave next summer. He wouldn’t be short of options either, as was proved earlier this year when a move to Atletico Madrid looked to have been on the cards.
Kerkez will still be Liverpool’s left-back in the long-term - assuming he is eventually able to find his feet - but having Robertson alongside allows the Reds to give the 21-year-old more time to bed himself in.
Robertson demonstrated perfectly against Real that he still has plenty to offer Liverpool, and Arne Slot and Richard Hughes should be taking note as contract decisions come to the fore.