Arne Slot must deploy ‘world-class’ Liverpool ace vs Atletico Madrid after teammate’s nightmare
Arne Slot has some serious changes to make after Liverpool struggled to beat Burnley in their latest Premier League clash.
Mohamed Salah scored the winner from the penalty spot as the Reds claimed a 1-0 win at Turf Moor to move back to the top of the Premier League table, though it was far from convincing.
The Reds had some injury concerns following their trip away from Anfield, but Alexis Mac Allister was spotted back in Liverpool training, alongside the likes of Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones.
However, one player who might not be part of the starting lineup featured heavily against the Clarets, but for all the wrong reasons, as he lasted just 38 minutes before being replaced.
Milos Kerkez must not start after his Burnley nightmare
Milos Kerkez would have likely been sent off had Slot not hooked him before the half-time whistle, and that was only against newly promoted Burnley, having been booked for simulation early on.
During the 1-0 win on Sunday, 14 September, the Hungary international committed two fouls, completed just 25 per cent of his crosses, lost 100 per cent of his duels, and was punished for diving [FotMob].
Supporters could not quite believe what they were witnessing from their new signing, but it has now opened the door for another player to break back into the lineup after a spell on the sidelines.
With Jeremie Frimpong injured recently, Dominik Szoboszlai has been starring at the right-back role, but it is unlikely that one of his stars will be forced to play out of position for the upcoming clash.
Andy Robertson to be given a new opportunity vs Atletico Madrid
When facing Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, 17 September, it is imperative that the Reds remain consistently solid at the back, not allowing for any gaps to open up against the Spanish giants.
Robertson, who Jurgen Klopp dubbed “world-class” during his tenure at Anfield [Stadium Astro], has quickly fallen down the pecking order, but experience will be far more valuable than what Kerkez brings to the team.
The Scot’s performances last season were quite poor, hence Liverpool’s need to buy two new full-backs, but during the 2023-24 campaign, he ranked in the top 80th percentile for tackles won [FotMob].
If Robertson has taken Kerkez’s arrival in his stride, supporters should expect to see a former, more reliable version of the full-back, who would be more than dependable against Atletico.