Arne Slot must start Andy Robertson for Liverpool, otherwise they'll lose vs Real Madrid - opinion

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

Going into the 2025-26 season, most people thought that the Scotsman would be Kerkez’s back-up, but in reality, that’s been far from the case. Each time Robertson has been chosen by Slot, the Reds have performed much better with Liverpool putting in one of their best performances of the season against Aston Villa on Saturday.

The former Hull City man may not be as fast or as flashy as Kerkez, but in terms of what Liverpool need right now, he’s perfect. Andy Robertson can help make Liverpool’s back four stronger against Real MadridKerkez is still just 21 years old, so he has plenty of time to develop into a better version of himself.

Last season, he was named the best left-back in the Premier League by the PFA, and although he hasn’t lived up to those standards this term, the fact that he’s been played outside of his preferred role by Slot hasn’t likely helped matters much.The Reds’ back four has been a massive problem for them this season, that is, especially because of Ibrahima Konate’s terrible form.However, with Robertson named in the starting XI, if Slot chooses to ask his left-back to tuck in alongside Virgil van Dijk as he has done numerous times this season, the full-back’s defensive work will benefit them massively. Most thought that the same thing would happen when he joined Liverpool, but since the Reds’ defence has been so poor, it has hindered the way Kerkez plays.Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesThis has made it seem like the £45 million that Slot and Richard Hughes paid was far too much.It’s still early in the season, and once the Reds’ first-team squad have all gelled together, we may finally see the best version of Kerkez come out, especially if he’s allowed to push forward and help out in attack.