The future of some of Liverpool’s stars hangs in the balance but many have shown why they should be kept this summer.

The Reds got their pre-season campaign underway on Sunday afternoon and started it with a win, beating Preston 3-1 at Deepdale.

Arne Slot fielded 22 different players across the 90 minutes, something he would have loved as he assesses all of his options.

The Dutch manager also played certain players out of position to experiment and work out just how versatile his squad really is, something that could prove vital later on in the year.

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As well as Federico Chiesa shining in the striker role, there was one player in particular who had a good game in defence, indicating that he must be kept at all costs this summer.

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The Reds have been linked with a new centre-half all summer, especially since Jarell Quansah departed for Bayer Leverkusen and Ibrahima Konate hinted at a potential exit in the near future.

Marc Guehi is one player who has been rumoured to join the Premier League champions, but fear not, Slot may already have cover in this area of the pitch in the form of Andy Robertson.

The Scotsman played the second half in the left centre-back role, an area in which Virgil van Dijk usually operates.

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Robertson also held his own and looked rather comfortable, albeit against a side in a lower division and in the first game of pre-season.

However, he has shown that he is more than capable of filling in when needed, suggesting that Slot does not need to spend big on a defender who will make an instant impact.

Instead, Liverpool can look to buy a player who fits their usual profile of 18-22, giving them time to bed into the team and become a key individual in the future.

READ MORE: Florian Wirtz and Virgil van Dijk left out of Liverpool’s squad to face Preston for the same reason

Robertson has been linked with a move away this summer due to the arrival of Milos Kerkez, but this is perhaps another reason to keep hold of him.

Some players do not even need to make an impact on the pitch as their influence off it is enough, but luckily for Liverpool, Robertson does both.

Despite a bit of a down season by his high standards, the Scotsman can still make an impact on the pitch and his attacking threat is still dangerous to any opponent.

As for his personality off the field, he is a huge presence in the dressing room and is adored by everyone, with the 31-year-old now needed more than ever to keep the team united.

Robertson can also help the likes of Kerkez settle in and teach him how to become a world class left-back, showing how the Reds need to keep him beyond this season, and maybe even further.