Liverpool handed another transfer headache - there may only be one answer
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In the latest Blood Red column, Ian Doyle looks at the impact of Andy Robertson and what Liverpool could now do in the wake of his imminent departureWhether thrilling league victories, dramatic FA Cup semi-finals or hastily-arranged neutral venues for replays (kids, ask your parents), Villa Park has been the scene of many memorable moments for Liverpool.And arguably the most fondly recalled of recent times centred around an unlikely hero now preparing for his last hurrah in a Reds shirt.Having missed out on the title by the narrowest of margins the previous season, Liverpool started the next campaign strongly but were behind at Aston Villa in November 2019 with just three minutes remaining as Manchester City prepared to close the gap ahead of their meeting the following week.But then up popped Andy Robertson to head in only his third goal for the club to equalise, paving the way for Sadio Mane to score the winner in injury time. City were thumped 3-1 the following week and the Reds were never in danger of being caught as a first Premier League title was secured at a canter.The stakes aren't quite so high when Liverpool make their latest visit to Villa Park this evening where Champions League qualification is the sole remaining target.And, should he be given minutes, it will be the last time Robertson features for the Reds in front of the travelling Kop having confirmed last month he will leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.Mohamed Salah's similar farewell will no doubt command the greater headlines at Anfield against Brentford next weekend, but Robertson merits his own individual salute.Not only did the Scotland international solve the perennial problem left-back position that had dogged Liverpool throughout the Premier League era, he also helped redefine what should be expected from a modern full-back."Back in the old days defenders mainly had to defend (and not attack) and he is one of the full-backs who changed it to doing both," said Reds coach Arne Slot.
He has been very influential on the pitch but also in the dressing room."Of course, nothing lasts forever and the gradual decline in consistent form of Robertson over 18 months prompted Liverpool to last summer future-proof the left-back role by signing Milos Kerkez, who had been voted the Premier League's best in the position when with Bournemouth.Kerkez, after a wayward opening few months, has been the undisputed number one at left-back for Liverpool this season. Calum Scanlon, now 21, was in and out of the Cardiff City team that won promotion from League One having moved there for a temporary spell in January.Luke Chambers, meanwhile, featured regularly throughout the second half of the season at Championship side Charlton Athletic although the 21-year-old was primarily used as a left wing-back.The most likely solution, then, is as Slot has previously hinted with Kostas Tsimikas reprising his role as understudy.
The Greek international, who turned 30 this week, has experienced a difficult season on loan at Roma where he has made only six Serie A starts and, similar to Chambers, has been employed in a five-man defence.Liverpool will have to be canny with their transfer business this summer with a deputy left-back not a priority, particularly given Tsimikas has another year left to run on his Anfield contract. Now Liverpool fans can make the most of Robertson's last few days as one of the most celebrated left-backs in the club's history.