Liverpool could ditch one of Trent's 'closest friends' by signing a £40m star

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Arne SlottThe bright beginning of life in the Liverpool The helm has established the Anfield side as the Premier League favorite titles The holiday season is upon us, and those conversations will begin to increase in volume.

Opponents (and Liverpool fans) thought the Reds would have to catch lightning in a bottle to take this position after Jurgen Klopp he left his role after almost nine years.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is stepping down

But the air of imperiousness surrounding Slot’s side has dissipated somewhat in recent weeks, with back-to-back draws against Newcastle United and Fulham compounded by a canceled Merseyside derby that has left them just two points adrift against Chelsea, which although has played one more game. .

FSG need to recognize their position and strengthen in the winter transfer window, with left-back starting to feel like a priority position for Liverpool. Andy Robertson he definitely hasn’t been to the races.

Andy Robertson’s start to life under Slot

While it is easy to criticize Robertson for his red card against Fulham, it is important to remember that the veteran Scot was awarded Man of the Match after an excellent display against Girona in the Champions League in beginning of the week

But we have to be realistic, and he doesn’t seem to be at the same dizzying level that had established him as “one of the best left-backs in the world,” he says. retired professional Dietmar Hamann.

His regression has been compounded by a lingering shoulder injury last season and he’s struggling to adjust to the Slot way of life. He hasn’t been poor, per se, but Robertson is starting to look like something of a weak link, indeed conceding penalties against Fulham and Real Madrid without the assurance and robustness that has been patented throughout his time on Merseyside.

Now 30, he’s battling with Liverpool’s long-time second-choice Kostas Tsimikas for the starting spot. If Slot wants to consolidate his new era with silver, he will defend the idea of a new member.

And Liverpool only have the left-back in mind.

Liverpool are looking for a new left-back

According to Sky Sports’ Jamie CarragherLiverpool should push to sign Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez in 2025, with the 21-year-old riding the crest of a wave on the south coast this season. It stands to reason that cherries would only consider bids over £40m.

AFC Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez in action with Brighton & Hove Albion's Danny Welbeck

Dominik Szoboszlai’s Hungary team-mate has reportedly been on Liverpool’s radar for several weeks and that interest is only set to pick up the pace as the January market approaches.

Manchester United have their own problems at left-back and they are rising star fanbut Liverpool hope their more stable project can get a win in the race.

Why Milos Kerkez would be perfect for Liverpool

Kerkez has it now he completed 49 appearances for Bournemouth and has more than acclimated himself to the Premier League scene, although there is no doubt that he is still learning the trade and a move to Liverpool would be a big step.

But there’s no reason why the Hungarian talent can’t co-exist in Slot’s squad for the next few seasons, because the Reds will need to equip themselves with multiple options and Robertson is still good enough to play a big role.

It might even work in Kerkez’s favor, allowing him to absorb the teachings of his illustrious companion and make him an even better defender.

Carragher pointed out that Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was the man who came up with the idea The £15.5m signing of Kerkez from Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023.

That only puts Liverpool in a strong position to complete a deal in 2025, especially if the player makes it known that he wants to follow the path to Anfield.

The metrics above show that Kerkez’s level of ball play is already on a par with Robertson’s, and that he is also outpacing Scotland’s skipper in terms of tackling.

A deeper analysis widens the gap. According to SofascoreKerkez has completed 70% of his dribbles in the Premier League this season while winning 65% of his ground duels. Robertson, on the other hand, has done it he completed only 33% of his races and he has won just 51% of his duels on the ground, the latter of which is unacceptable for a Liverpool side looking to maintain a cast-iron defence.

Praised for his “unique skill set.” former teammate Mat RyanKerkez may be young, but he is proving to have a style suitable for a place in a top-flight team like Liverpool.

He is poised and skilled in both attacking and defensive situations, with a vibrant athleticism that seems perfect for the style of football that Slot is implementing.

Robertson has been a loyal and successful Liverpool player, join from Hull City for just £10m and go on to lift the biggest trophies and play 318 times. His on-ball skills have been central to Liverpool’s success, forming a deadly flanking duo with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Most assists in the Premier League – Defenders
classification	player	Assistance
1.	Trent Alexander-Arnold	61
2.	Andy Robertson	59
3.	Leighton Baines	53
4.	Graeme Le Saux	44
5.	Antonio Valencia	39
Statistics via Opta Analyst

It could be one of Alexander-Arnold’s”closest friends“and he is part of a tight-knit leadership group at Liverpool who are competing for the Premier League and Champions League titles this term, but Robertson cannot be allowed to continue in the starting line-up at the expense of future success of Liverpool.

Alexander-Arnold, of course, is being openly pursued by Real Madrid and is playing out the final year of his contract, and while Reds fans will be anxiously awaiting some good news, there is a very real possibility that he too could be part of a forced reshuffle of full-backs from both sides.

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