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Andy Robertson has struggled for game time for Liverpool this season, could Arne Slot reunite with a former player to replace him at the end of the season?
How Liverpool could replace Andy Robertson
Recalled against Sunderland, Robertson’s future is still uncertain with Milo’s Kerkez very much the manager’s favourite despite a throwback performance from the veteran against Real Madrid. Slot is looking to the future, which now looks bleak for the Scot. With a desire to prove that he still has a lot to offer, it is unlikely that Robertson will extend his stay at Liverpool to play second fiddle to Kerkez which means that Slot should be on the lookout for a backup.
A controversial option could be for Slot to be reunited with a player he helped to develop and who he was largely credited with playing a key part in seeing them improve to the extent that they earned a move to the Premier League. Out of contract in the summer, the last remaining member of Man United’s “bomb squad” is Tyrell Malacia, a player who Slot worked with at Feyenoord.
What Slot said about Malacia
The only reason Malacia isn’t featuring at United is because of a falling out with Ruben Amorim, he wasn’t the only one, but Slot never had any issues with the Netherlands international, in fact, he praised the character of the out of favour left-back: "When we're behind he is typically the player to try and force the issue, or to ignite a spark with a run or a tackle," then Feyenoord boss Slot told Dutch outlet Bleed Orange.
"[But] I do see him taunt opponents a bit too much. He almost shows too much of the ball, to get them to bite. At times, it's too much. He looks a bit complacent, arrogant even, at times. I talk to him about that." Erik ten Hag signed Malacia after being impressed in an Ajax v Feyenoord Eredivise clash, with a viral clip of him telling then assistant Michael Reiziger to record his name and that “That kid at left-back is class”.
Liverpool have their first choice left-back sorted for the future, with Robertson potentially leaving, they could save a lot of money by signing a player Slot knows and trusts, for free.
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