Arne Slot looks on during a Liverpool matchplaceholder image
Arne Slot looks on during a Liverpool match | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Arne Slot will have to select his best starting lineup to face Manchester City this weekend
Their two latest results put an end to a torrid run of form for the Reds, who are now in desperate need of making up ground in the Premier League.
Arne Slot fielded an almost unchanged starting 11 in both clashes, only tweaking his left-wing option from Cody Gakpo to Florian Wirtz during the Real Madrid clash in the Champions League.
His decisions have been a winning formula so far, with the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai earning praise for his efforts. However, Slot is still figuring out his long-term ideal lineup, with Alexander Isak still waiting to prove himself and Milos Kerkez struggling to adapt.
Andy Robertson must start against Man City
Kerkez’s inconsistent performances have forced Slot to demote him to the bench while Andy Robertson has been recalled upon. The Scot took a backseat at the start of the season to make way for his competitor but he is now the saving grace for Liverpool’s defensive woes.
Liverpool winning both of their last fixtures and keeping two clean sheets with Robertson starting is something Slot must take seriously. While any manager would be eager to see all of their new signings clicking with the team, the bigger picture this season is Liverpool defending their Premier League title and challenging for more silverware.
Slot has already been smart with his previous decision to bench Wirtz, who is now starting for the Reds again after taking time out to work on his form.
Kerkez has what it takes to become Liverpool’s first choice left-back but right now, the manager must go with what works most effectively, and Robertson has seriously helped steady the ship recently. Which is why he must start against Man City this weekend.
Arne Slot praises Andy Robertson performances
Following Robertson’s performances against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, Slot praised his vice-captain for integrating himself back as a regular within the starting lineup.
“He’s done really well in the last three games because he has played three games in seven days, though I took him off against Crystal Palace after 60-65 minutes,” Slot said.
“I was very pleased to see he could play almost 90 in his last game because it’s hard for players to play three games in seven days. Eight days or nine days is already a big difference compared to seven days.
“But he’s done well, as the team did. It’s so helpful for every individual if the team plays at its best, and I think that’s what we did in the last two games.”
Liverpool will need their players to keep their heads when they face Man City. Just one point currently separates them in the Premier League table, meaning the Reds could leapfrog into second place if they clinch all three points.
Kerkez has been called out for being ‘untrustworthy’ on the ball and panicking in high pressure situations. Liverpool cannot afford any flappable behaviour against inevitable goalscorers like Erling Haaland and his providers, so dropping a confident player like Robertson would simply be asking for unnecessary pressure.
Journalist Henry Winter also had praise for Robertson, stating after the Real Madrid 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.”
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