Andy Robertson set for extended spell in Liverpool XI, his heat map and full stats vs Frankfurt speaks volumes
Liverpool secured a vital 5-1 victory over Frankfurt in the Champions League on 22 October as Arne Slot ended a four-match winless run.
Liverpool rightly dropped Mohamed Salah against Frankfurt after his rotten run of form in recent matches which saw a greater performance across the pitch from others.
Notably, Andy Robertson was handed his first start since the 23 September for the hugely inconsistent Milos Kerkez.
Sources told Football Insider that Liverpool are working on a new deal for Robertson and his display away from Anfield will only ramp up those contract talks.
Robertson magnificent as Liverpool look back to their best
Robertson has received increasing interest from European clubs yet, his excellent showing in Germany will give Slot another reason to extend his stay on Merseyside.
The Scotsman was an impressive creative force, delivering one key pass and creating one big chance from left-back as his attacking teammates reaped the benefits of his inclusion.
Moreover, he provided the vital long-range assist for Hugo Ekitike’s goal to level the tie at 1-1 in the first half, initiating the tremendous comeback.
Additionally, the ex-Hull City man was fully involved in everything the Reds did on the ball, accruing 114 touches and delivering 84 of his 95 passes.
As demonstrated by his heat map, courtesy of Football Insider’s data partnership with Opta, it is evident how explosive the Scotland international was, bombing up and down the left-hand side to support the attack and defence.
The number 26’s impressive performance will certainly give Slot headaches over his starting left-back moving forward.
Milos Kerkez facing uphill battle to get back into starting XI after Robertson’s brilliance
Since Kerkez joined Liverpool from Bournemouth he has severly struggled to adapt to playing for the reigning Premier League champions.
Notably, his erratic nature in defence has seen him produce reckless errors that have led to easy chances for the opposition, making him a liability.
Slot has also shown he is short on patience with the Hungarian, particularly when he was hooked at half-time in the 1-0 win over Burnley on 14 October due to nearly being sent off.
That immaturity and rashness is what makes Robertson such an important asset to keep at Anfield and must be an ever-present in the starting XI.
His display in the Champions League highlighted his composed experience at left-back, something the leaky Reds defence has been crying out for all season.
Now is the right time for the Dutch manager to trust more in the 31-year-old with the Kerkez project still clearly a work in progress.