Liverpool’s Left-Back Duel: Andy Robertson vs. Milos Kerkez

The Changing of the Guard on Liverpool’s Left

For years, the left-back position at Liverpool was beyond question. Andy Robertson owned the flank — relentless, dependable, and vital to the team’s identity under Jürgen Klopp. But football moves quickly, and with a new manager and a new era taking shape, change is not only inevitable — it’s strategic.

The arrival of Milos Kerkez this summer represents more than just squad depth. It signals a clear intention to modernize and potentially reshape how Liverpool operates on the left side. Arne Slot, known for his flexible and possession-oriented approach, now has two very different full-backs vying for one crucial spot — and the outcome of this competition could quietly define Liverpool’s season.

The Veteran: Andy Robertson’s New Challenge

Andy Robertson remains a symbol of Liverpool’s golden years — high-intensity football, overlapping energy, and Champions League pedigree. He’s still capable of putting in elite performances and delivering match-changing crosses. His ability to read the game, press opponents, and lead from the back has rarely faltered, even as the tactical demands around him have begun to shift.

However, this is no longer Klopp’s system. Slot’s approach asks more of his full-backs in terms of positional intelligence and flexibility. Full-backs often invert into midfield to support buildup play, or rotate centrally to overload key areas. For all his strengths, Robertson is far more comfortable operating on the outside. Asking him to consistently tuck into midfield or play in tight central zones may be asking him to go against his natural instincts — something that could limit his role, especially in games where control and compactness are prioritized.

There’s also the question of longevity. At 31, with a history of hard miles and a recent spell out through injury, Robertson’s durability is no longer guaranteed. This isn’t a decline — it’s a natural evolution. But it does mean Liverpool need options. And that’s where Kerkez comes in.

The Challenger: Milos Kerkez’s Rise

Milos Kerkez plays like a man in a hurry — eager to prove himself, eager to press, eager to drive the ball forward with purpose. At Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar, he showed all the traits of a modern full-back: sharp movement in central areas, brave positioning under pressure, and a hunger to win the ball high.

Unlike Robertson, Kerkez is comfortable playing inverted. He doesn't just hug the touchline — he reads the game from the inside and offers himself as a progressive passing option in midfield. This aligns perfectly with Slot’s tactics, which often rely on full-backs stepping into central roles during buildup or counterpressing transitions.

Still, Kerkez isn’t without flaws. His youth brings energy, but occasionally costs him composure. He can be overzealous in the tackle, and his final-third decision-making is still developing. But these are the kinds of imperfections that coaching — and experience — can iron out.

What stands out most is how naturally he seems to fit into the direction Liverpool are heading. His style doesn’t just complement Slot’s system — it feels like it was made for it.

Style vs. Stability: What Does Liverpool Prioritize?

This is a battle of fit versus familiarity. Robertson offers defensive stability, consistency, and elite delivery from wide areas. He’s the trusted option — the one you turn to in tough European nights, or when the margins are thin and every decision matters.

Kerkez offers something more daring. He brings unpredictability, internal movement, and the kind of pressing intensity that makes systems like Slot’s hum with energy. If Liverpool are chasing a game, or dominating possession against deep-lying opposition, he’s the more disruptive, vertical choice.

Neither is clearly “better” — they’re just different. That gives Slot a valuable tactical lever. He can tailor his left-back selection not just to the opponent, but to the type of game he wants to play. Some matches may call for experience. Others, for ambition.

Slot’s Rotation Strategy

Arne Slot is not wedded to rigid hierarchies. His history suggests he will rotate intelligently, choosing based on form, opposition, and the balance he wants in his XI. Early signs point toward a flexible approach: Robertson may start in tighter, more tactical games — especially away in Europe — while Kerkez could get the nod in matches that require more aggressive pressing and dynamic buildup play.

There’s also the possibility of in-game switches. Slot may use Robertson to close out games or bring on Kerkez to inject tempo and chaos. The ability to shift between profiles mid-match adds a layer of unpredictability that could be a real advantage for Liverpool this season.

The challenge, for both players, is to remain sharp and focused even when not starting. This won’t be a one-man job anymore. It’s a shared role — and one that will demand constant performance under pressure.

More Than a Position — A Philosophical Decision

This battle isn’t just about who plays left-back. It reflects the broader shift happening at Liverpool — from a physically dominant, counter-pressing machine under Klopp to a more positional, flexible, and modern outfit under Slot.

In that context, Kerkez feels like a player of the future. But the future doesn’t always arrive all at once. And until it does, Robertson’s presence ensures that Liverpool won’t lose any of their competitive edge in the meantime.

The Present Meets the Future

Liverpool’s left-back battle is not about replacing Andy Robertson — it’s about preparing for what’s next. Milos Kerkez brings qualities that represent the future of the position, while Robertson remains a player who can deliver in the here and now.

Arne Slot will likely use both, depending on the demands of the moment. And that’s not a weakness — it’s a tactical strength.

As the season unfolds, expect this battle to take shape not just in performances, but in how Liverpool express themselves tactically. The question is no longer who owns the position — it’s how each player can push the other, and the team, to be better.

In a campaign where margins will be razor-thin, this duel on the left could be one of the most important stories in Liverpool’s pursuit of silverware.