Liverpool have started the season strongly with an emphatic 0-2 victory over Ipswich Town in an away Premier League game. Arne Slot broke the 50-year curse by becoming the first Liverpool boss to win the opening game since Bob Paisley.
Liverpool fans have always likened much-adored former manager Jurgen Klopp to the great Bill Shankly with Slot following Paisley’s footsteps. However, the lack of transfer activities has raised a reasonable concern among a big section of the fanbase this summer.
The other half of the Reds fanbase still believes in the strength of the squad Slot inherited barring mild concerns. One of those small concerns is the left-back position, currently occupied by Andy Robertson and his number two Kostas Tsimikas.
Both Tsimikas and Robertson struggled with injuries and inconsistencies last season that raised a lot of alarm among the fans. Constant rumours of Liverpool potentially targeting a left-back frequently popped up in the media from the start of the summer.
However, none of the rumours came true while last season’s make-shift left-back Joe Gomez’s future is currently a big uncertainty. Robertson has played a key role in Klopp’s successful tenure at the club after signing from Hull City in 2017.
Speaking after the victory over Ipswich (via Liverpool FC’s official site), Robertson highlighted his struggle with pain throughout last season. He said:
“There’s still lots to learn for all of us [Arne Slot’s style of play] – it’s a completely new way of playing and new philosophy and everything. It will take a bit of time, of course it will. Obviously coming off towards the end, I started to get a little bit tired, which is normal, but I felt good, I feel good. I am pain-free for the first time in five months, which is always positive, so long may it continue.”
After the last season, the 30-year-old has a big season ahead of him to prove he deserves the starting role. While Tsimikas also struggled with form and injury, Robertson has age working against him as his naysayers become louder.
Liverpool fans adore the Scottish captain immensely and don’t want to lose another favourite from Klopp’s era. Against Ipswich, Robertson made only one successful cross from 11 attempts, also winning only one out of three ground duels.
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Furthermore, he lost one aerial duel while winning one tackle and making one interception and one clearance. Hopefully, the Scotsman’s form will improve from here as it is highly unlikely that Liverpool will target a left-back at this stage.
