Key Highlights
- Former Scottish international Pat Nevin believes Andy Robertson has been “poorly treated” this season.
- Milos Kerkez has started nine Premier League games compared to Robertson’s two this season.
- Arne Slot may be beginning to swap the pair, with Robertson earning more minutes in Liverpool’s last five matches than Kerkez.
- The situation isn’t what Robertson hoped for heading into the season, as he admitted questioning his future at the club during the summer.
Background on Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez
Andy Robertson joined Liverpool in 2017 from Hull City for a reported fee of £8 million. Since then, he has become an integral part of the team, winning two Premier League titles and a Champions League with Liverpool.
The Current Standoff Between Robertson and Kerkez
Pat Nevin, a former Scottish international, recently stated that Andy Robertson feels “poorly treated” this season. In August 2025, Robertson was appointed vice-captain of the team, reflecting his status as one of Liverpool’s key players.
The Manager’s Dilemma
Arne Slot, the manager at Liverpool, is facing a defensive dilemma. Despite Robertson being in better form and Robertson serving as second-in-command in the dressing room, Milos Kerkez has been given more starting positions this season. Nevin criticizes Slot’s decision-making process, suggesting that it might be a “bad idea” to replace established players like Robertson.
Form Analysis
According to Nevin, Milos Kerkez has started nine Premier League games compared to Andy Robertson’s two this season. However, Robertson is showing signs of improvement since returning from his summer break, as evidenced by his performance in Liverpool’s recent matches.
The Manager’s Realization and Future Implications
Pat Nevin believes that Arne Slot has now realized the mistake of giving Milos Kerkez preference over Andy Robertson. The situation is reminiscent of past incidents where Liverpool tried to replace long-standing players, only for those decisions not to work out.
Potential Outcomes
While Nevin predicts that Kerkez will eventually get the starting spot, he also suggests it might take some time due to Robertson’s ongoing form. Both players are expected to continue competing for a place in Slot’s lineup, with Robertson’s performance likely to influence future decisions.
Conclusion
The situation at Liverpool is a microcosm of the challenges managers face when trying to balance team dynamics and player performances. As Robertson continues to show his worth on the pitch, it remains to be seen how Slot will resolve this defensive dilemma in the coming months.