Liverpool’s left-back position has become one of the most complicated puzzles for Arne Slot to solve this season. What began as a bold reshaping during the summer transfer window has now turned into a major talking point ahead of one of the most important matches of the campaign — a Premier League clash against Manchester United at Anfield. The dilemma involves two players at different points in their careers: Andy Robertson, the experienced warrior who has given years of service, and Milos Kerkez, the 21-year-old newcomer still trying to find his rhythm at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
When Liverpool completed the £40 million signing of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, it was seen as a statement of intent. The Hungarian had impressed many with his explosive runs down the left flank, his energy, and his attacking bravery. At Bournemouth, he played with freedom, often pushing high up the pitch and taking on defenders with confidence. Arne Slot believed Kerkez could bring something new to Liverpool’s system — youthful energy, speed, and the ability to overlap constantly to support attacks. As part of this change, Kostas Tsimikas was sent on loan to AS Roma, while Andy Robertson, the long-serving Scottish captain, found himself starting more games from the bench than he was used to.
It was a shock for many fans to see Robertson, a player who for years symbolised Liverpool’s relentless energy under Jürgen Klopp, losing his starting spot. But Slot wanted a refresh. He wanted to reshape the way the team built attacks, focusing on tactical flexibility rather than sheer running power. Unfortunately for Liverpool, that decision hasn’t paid off the way the manager hoped. Kerkez, while promising, has not yet adapted fully to Liverpool’s demands. He’s looked hesitant at times, often caught between pressing high and holding his defensive line. That indecision has cost the team points this season.
The problem is not just form — it’s confidence. Kerkez has looked unsure in several big games, struggling to read opposition movements and losing his composure in defensive duels. He’s a talented young player, but the Premier League has exposed his weaknesses quickly. Against fast wingers, he has been forced into mistakes and has sometimes been booked early in matches after being caught out of position. It’s a familiar pattern that worries the coaching staff.
Craig Burley, the former Chelsea player and now ESPN pundit, recently shared his thoughts on the situation — and his words have caused quite a debate among Liverpool fans. Burley warned Slot against starting Robertson against Manchester United despite Kerkez’s struggles. According to him, the Scotland captain hasn’t looked sharp enough in recent international games to justify a recall. Burley’s assessment came after watching Robertson’s performances for Scotland during the international break, where he appeared off the pace and unconvincing in both attack and defence.
“The back four has struggled. Kerkez has struggled. We haven’t talked about bringing Andy Robertson back in,” Burley said. “But if you watched Andy Robertson play for Scotland, you wouldn’t bring him back in because he struggled there. So there are so many questions for this Liverpool side that I think it’s a big game for Arne Slot.”
Burley’s comments underline the real challenge facing Slot — he has no ideal option. Robertson’s experience and leadership make him a safe choice, but his recent form has been far from his best. Kerkez, on the other hand, brings energy and pace but lacks consistency and composure. For a match of this magnitude, against Manchester United’s dangerous attacking players like Mason Mount and Alejandro Garnacho, the wrong decision could be costly. United’s wingers love to exploit spaces, and with Liverpool’s high defensive line, one lapse on the left could lead to disaster.
The upcoming clash against United is more than just another league game. It’s one of the most emotionally charged fixtures in world football. The intensity, the noise at Anfield, the history — everything about this match demands full focus. Slot knows that whoever starts at left-back will face enormous pressure, both from the opponents and from the fans expecting a strong defensive display. In such situations, experience usually counts. But experience without form can be equally risky.
Robertson’s situation is particularly complicated. For years, he has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s defence. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk was one of the strongest in Europe during the club’s peak years. His leadership qualities have also been crucial — he’s a captain for Scotland and one of the most vocal figures in the Liverpool dressing room. But after a series of injuries and tactical changes under Slot, Robertson is no longer the unstoppable force he once was. He still works tirelessly, but his trademark overlapping runs are less frequent, and his final delivery has been inconsistent.
Meanwhile, Kerkez is still learning. He’s quick, technically sharp, and full of potential, but his defensive awareness remains a concern. He’s used to playing in a system where he had more protection behind him, but at Liverpool, the demands are different. Slot expects his full-backs to be part of both attack and defence, transitioning quickly and reading the game intelligently. The young Hungarian has found that balance difficult to master. In several games this season, his positioning has been exploited, forcing Liverpool’s midfielders to cover for him.
That lack of defensive assurance is a major worry ahead of facing United. Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes are both known for drifting into wide spaces to overload full-backs, while Marcus Rashford’s pace can destroy any defender left exposed. Slot knows that a weak left side could be United’s main target. Starting Kerkez could therefore be a big risk, especially if the game gets heated early — something that always happens in this fixture.
On the other hand, Robertson’s dip in form for Scotland is also a concern. Burley wasn’t exaggerating when he said the Scotsman struggled. His passing was off, his defensive positioning questionable, and his stamina looked short of its usual high standards. It’s possible that the international workload has drained him, or that his rhythm has been affected by spending more time on the bench for Liverpool. Whatever the reason, he hasn’t looked at his sharpest recently.
Slot’s challenge now is to decide which weakness is easier to manage — the inexperience of Kerkez or the fatigue of Robertson. He might also consider a hybrid solution: start Robertson for his leadership and stability, then introduce Kerkez later in the game to add energy and pace. That approach could help Liverpool keep control early before injecting fresh legs as the match opens up. However, this plan also has risks. Bringing on a young player into a high-pressure game like Liverpool vs Manchester United could overwhelm him, especially if the scoreline is tight.
It’s also worth noting that Slot has been known for his tactical flexibility. At Feyenoord, he sometimes used inverted full-backs to strengthen midfield control. He could apply a similar approach here, asking Robertson to stay deeper and help in build-up play rather than bombing forward. That would reduce the physical strain on the Scotsman while still giving Liverpool a composed left-back against United’s pacey attack.
Whatever decision Slot makes, this game will say a lot about how he handles pressure at Liverpool. Every manager who’s been at Anfield knows that the fans demand both bravery and intelligence. Playing it safe doesn’t always work here, but neither does recklessness. Slot is still building trust with the supporters, and how he manages key decisions like this one could define the narrative around him for weeks to come.
The reality is that Liverpool’s left-back issue reflects a bigger challenge — the team is in transition. The defence is being reshaped, new signings are settling in, and veterans are adjusting to new roles. It’s a balancing act between respecting the past and embracing the future. Robertson represents Liverpool’s glorious recent history, full of fight and passion. Kerkez represents the future, full of energy and promise. But right now, neither feels like the perfect answer.
As Sunday approaches, all eyes will be on Arne Slot’s lineup announcement. If Robertson starts, it will show trust in experience and leadership despite recent struggles. If Kerkez starts, it will show faith in youth and development despite inconsistency. Either way, Slot will be taking a gamble.
Anfield will expect nothing less than a strong performance, and against Manchester United, there’s no room for hesitation. Every tackle, every sprint, and every defensive decision will matter. For Liverpool, this game is not just about three points — it’s about proving that the team can handle its internal challenges and still perform at the highest level.
Robertson and Kerkez are both fighting for the same position but in very different moments of their careers. One is a legend trying to prove he still belongs in the starting XI. The other is a rising star trying to prove he’s ready for the big stage. And in between them stands Arne Slot, forced to make one of the toughest calls of his early Liverpool reign.
Whatever happens, Sunday’s game will provide answers — maybe not all the ones fans want, but answers nonetheless. Will experience triumph over youth? Or will the next generation finally take its rightful place on the pitch? For now, only Arne Slot knows the plan, and the football world waits to see which path he chooses when Liverpool face their fiercest rivals under the lights of Anfield.
