Alan Shearer has called on Liverpool manager Arne Slot to make a 'big decision' by dropping a player for the Champions League knockout stages, according to major media reports. Shearer, alongside Micah Richards, believes that Andy Robertson should be selected for the upcoming matches. Shearer claimed that Robertson should have had far more minutes this season and struggles to see why Milos Kerkez has landed so many opportunities. Richards echoed this sentiment, stating that Robertson's experience is crucial for big games.
Liverpool finished third in the Champions League group phase, winning six of their eight group games. Their last-16 tie is against Galatasaray, who finished 20th in the group phase and lost half of their matches. The first leg is expected to be a challenging encounter for Liverpool, with pundits debating the optimal lineup.
He’s got a big decision to make when they play Galatasaray away. After Robertson’s performance, Slot has a big decision to make.
In recent domestic action, Liverpool suffered a shock defeat to Wolves in the Premier League but returned to winning ways against the same opponent in the FA Cup. Andy Robertson scored Liverpool's opener and set up Mohamed Salah's goal in that FA Cup win. In the Merseyside Derby, Salah scored the opening goal, Beto equalised for Everton, and Virgil van Dijk headed home the winner in stoppage time.
The left-back position has been a topic of debate this season. Milos Kerkez has predominantly played ahead of Robertson since his £40 million move from Bournemouth. Kerkez endured a challenging first few months at Anfield but has gradually improved. Slot went for experience in the Merseyside Derby by starting Robertson at left-back. Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull in 2017 early into Jurgen Klopp's reign and has made over 350 appearances for the club over the past decade, according to multiple reports. At 31, Robertson remains a key figure, but Kerkez, who was a standout last season with Bournemouth, has been given significant opportunities.
Kerkez has been thrown in and struggled - I liked how Klopp eased Robertson in gradually. Slot hasn't done that (with Kerkez).
Clinton Morrison has criticised how Slot has used Kerkez, according to Daily Mirror - Main. Morrison described that Kerkez has been thrown in and struggled, contrasting Slot's approach with Klopp's gradual integration of Robertson. Morrison praised Klopp's handling of Robertson's early days at the club. According to Daily Mirror - Main, Morrison also believes that a top-five finish will be enough to keep Slot in the job, noting that Liverpool fans are not entirely happy with the style of football but that Champions League qualification could secure his position.
Robertson has been praised for his professionalism. Shearer described him as a great professional who puts the team first. Robertson spoke honestly after the FA Cup win, admitting that Kerkez needed time to adapt to a big club, according to Daily Mirror - Football. Robertson acknowledged that the club must move forward and that he has faced competition throughout his career. Notably, Robertson very nearly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the January transfer window, but the deal was pulled, according to major media reports.
He needed to finish in a Champions League spot. If he does that, I think he gets another season — at least the start of it. There'll be more players going than just Robertson and Salah. Players will be sold to free up money and bring in better-paid talent. As for Slot, I speak to a lot of my Liverpool friends who aren't happy — the style of football, the passivity. But you have to think back to last season when he won the Premier League. A lot has happened at Liverpool this season. If he secures Champions League football, I think he starts next season as Liverpool manager.
Several unknowns remain. It is unclear whether Slot will start Robertson or Kerkez in the Champions League match against Galatasaray. Robertson's future at Liverpool is also uncertain: while some reports suggest he may leave at the end of the season, others focus on his playing time without mentioning an exit. Kerkez's statistical performance compared to Robertson this season has not been publicly detailed. Additionally, whether Liverpool will secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification remains to be seen.
I am not sure Milos Kerkez has pushed Andy Robertson enough to be playing as much as he has done. Kerkez has slightly improved, but Robertson is a great professional, and he probably can't say what he wants to say. He has been outstanding for Liverpool.
I'm not sure if I have a point to prove in a Liverpool shirt. The fans know I give everything in a Liverpool shirt. When you get on the pitch you just want to enjoy it. It is what it is. Milos [Kerkez] is a fantastic left-back. He had an unbelievable season last season at Bournemouth. It took time to settle into a big club. The club has to move forward, the lads who have been here so long are not getting any younger. You have to accept it. I have had competition my whole career.