Arne Slot faces tough defender decision ahead of Champions League opener

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Image Credits: Imago Images

Liverpool’s first Champions League game of the season is upon us.

The Reds will face Atletico Madrid at Anfield to kickstart their new campaign.

Arne Slot came into the season seemingly set on his new look back-line.

New full-back additions Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong both started the Community Shield final against Crystal Palace but as the season has evolved the situation is now less certain.

Milos Kerkez arrived in a big move to Liverpool, but many people forget that he is still only 21 years of age, and a lack of experience has been evident during his first five games of the season.

In particular, his performance against Burnley has now given Arne Slot a defender dilemma ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League game tonight.

The Hungarian was substituted in the first half after being booked for simulation and then being targeted by the Burnley players, with Arne Slot deciding it was too much of a risk to keep him on the pitch.

Arne Slot explained his decision after the game, saying:

“It was because he got a yellow card.

I think their fans here thought a chance for them to win the game is if we ended up with a second yellow.”

“With Milos I can never be 100% he doesn’t make the next foul… I thought the only way we could lose it today was if we went down to 10 men.”

Veteran defender Andy Robertson then entered proceedings, and the Scottish international put in a superb performance as Liverpool went on to win all three points.

Kerkez has not had the easiest start to life at Liverpool, and Arne Slot now face a big decision after brutally hooking the defender early on at Turf Moor.

During the international break, Robertson spoke on his desire to play more.

“I’m sure there will be a bit more rotation.

But I believe I’ve done everything I can to be in the manager’s thoughts and that’s all I can do.”

The Hungarian’s position is now less secure, and you feel as if Robertson may have just worked his way back into being first choice left-back for Arne Slot.

Whoever the Dutchman picks to start at left-back tonight could be a sign as to who will stay there for the foreseeable future.

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