Liverpool ended their poor run of Premier League form with a 1-0 win over Sunderland.
Arne Slot made two changes to his team for the meeting at the Stadium of Light, both in defence.
With Dominik Szoboszlai suspended, Wataru Endo started the game at right-back before he was injured in the second half.
Who was Liverpool’s best player in the excellent win over Sunderland, and why?
What a win!
Sunderland v Liverpool - Premier League
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Despite ongoing full-back issues, Virgil van Dijk scored the winner and Liverpool kept a clean sheet to beat Sunderland 1-0.
Van Dijk was not the only defender to shine during the midweek action, however.
Andy Robertson praised after Liverpool beat Sunderland
Andy Robertson was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up against Regis Le Bris’ men.
Milos Kerkez has improved since arriving in the summer, but the Scotsman was given the nod this time around.
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Now, while commentating the fixture live on TNT Sports, Ally McCoist expressed his surprise at the lack of game time Robertson has received this season.
He said: “I honestly, I can’t say enough, I’m so surprised he hasn’t played a lot more. I understand the manager buys players, brings players in, you have to give them an opportunity. But for the life of me, that’s the one position I can’t understand why Robertson hasn’t started more.”
Joe Cole agreed, replying: “I agree with you. Every time I watch Robertson play he does a job.”
How wrong was Alan Pardew about Milos Kerkez? 😅
Milos Kerkez pictured during Liverpool's Premier League match against Newcastle United at Anfield.
Credit: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Why Arne Slot did not start Milos Kerkez vs Sunderland
Robertson played well across the 90 minutes and helped keep Sunderland’s pacey wide players at bay.
As for Kerkez, Slot explained why the Hungarian was dropped pre-match.
Speaking live to TNT, he said: “I think I have two good left-backs. It’s just that we’ve played three games in seven days, which is different to eight days.
“Throughout this season, Milos hasn’t played many games like this because he came from Bournemouth, which doesn’t compete in European competitions.
“Sometimes, when I’ve played him, he’s struggled, and Robertson is a great substitute for him.”
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