Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Arne Slot was given more questions than answers as Liverpool lost the Community Shield to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

The Reds had gone into the game as overwhelming favourites, with excitement over their summer business adding to their status as Premier League champions.

And although Liverpool were scintillating at times during the opening period of the match, they could not sustain it and were ultimately beaten on penalties.

The new signings were largely good; Hugo Ekitike stole the show, while Florian Wirtz showed just how good he could be in this team as well.

Amongst all the promising signs, though, it is fair to say that Milos Kerkez struggled at left-back for Liverpool.

All in all, it looks like good news for Andy Robertson.

Photo by Alex Pantling – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

Kerkez was by no means terrible against Palace, but he also visibly struggled to get to grips with what was expected of him.

After just a few weeks of playing with his new teammates in the Liverpool squad, that is not a surprise and it will take him even longer to get up to speed.

MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES

Nevertheless, Liverpool also cannot afford to start the season slowly.

Had Kerkez hit the ground running on Sunday, then he would be expected to start against Bournemouth as well and could kick on from there.

But if Slot throws him in again, there is a chance that it costs Liverpool.

Kerkez should be the long-term replacement for Robertson and there is no use damaging his confidence either.

READ MORE: Two Liverpool players may not start together again after woeful Community Shield display

Robertson is as experienced as they come in this Liverpool side and will have no problem slotting in against the Cherries.

With games against Newcastle and then Arsenal coming, the Reds have to get off to a good start at Anfield.

On yesterday’s evidence, Robertson will give them the best chance of doing that.

The benefit of keeping Robertson around while Kerkez settles in is that Slot can take the 21-year-old out of the firing line every so often.

If he is struggling, there is no need to keep on playing him.

Liverpool have a very capable alternative.

This should also benefit Robertson, with Slot able to pick and choose which matches to utilise the 31-year-old in, hopefully keeping him more fresh.

Robertson has been an ‘unbelievable’ player for Liverpool, but there has been a sense this summer that a changing of the guard has been necessary.

That will remain the case, but as Kerkez takes his time to settle in with the Reds, Robertson still has so much to offer, beginning with a start on Friday night.
For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.