The worrying performance from Andy Robertson brings the spotlight back to the left-back position despite the defensive dominance from Liverpool. The Reds drew 2-2 at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal in the Premier League clash with heavy title implications.
Liverpool have fallen to the second place in the Premier League table, one point behind Manchester City after nine games. The Reds have enjoyed a formidable start to the season, winning 11 games from 13 matches which includes this draw.
New head coach Arne Slot has subtly implemented his tactical identity into the squad which he inherited from Jurgen Klopp. Slot has humbly maintained the philosophy and structure installed by his predecessor instead of stamping his authority forcibly into Liverpool.
Many managers, who replaced a long-serving icon, have failed due to the urgency they showed in making changes after appointment. Manchester United have not recovered from Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement while Arsenal have struggled similarly after Arsene Wenger left them.
Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa as the only addition to the senior team despite the demand from the fanbase last summer. Liverpool failed to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as their priority target to bolster the defensive midfield position.
However, Slot’s genius move to shift Ryan Gravenberch to that role helped the fanbase let go of that transfer chaos. Gravenberch fits the profile that Slot desires in a defensive midfielder which differs from the one Klopp’s tactics required.
As the internal changes and tactical differences helped Liverpool become more efficient in getting results, there’s a lot to improve. Liverpool have not reached anywhere near their final gear but some positions need recruitment irrespective of their internal growth.
Should Liverpool prioritize the left-back position in the upcoming transfer window?
The left-back position is one of the areas that has bothered Liverpool for more than a season as Robertson struggles. There is no denying that the Scotland captain is a big fan favourite and despite his struggles, Robertson remains important.
However, the 30-year-old has faced nagging injuries and inconsistency in performances as he left his 20s behind. Robertson’s deputy Kostas Tsimikas has also struggled with injuries and inconsistencies despite his technical prowess and strong competitive personality.
Tsimikas has delivered several Jekyll and Hyde performances that leave the fans guessing but make him unreliable at this level. Furthermore, Liverpool lacks a left-footed centre-back as they plan to recruit an eventual successor to captain Virgil van Dijk.
Van Dijk plays on the left side of the central defence and remains a dominant defender despite reaching 33 years of age. Irrespective of the Dutch captain’s contract situation as he plays in his last season of the current contract, Liverpool needs recruitment in that area.
Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher told the Telegraph that Liverpool need a special kind of defender for their left side and one cannot help but agree with his assessment. He said:
“Liverpool also need another defender. I have been saying for a few years that the club needs a multi-purpose defender on the left – someone who can cover for Andrew Robertson or play centre-half without weakening the back line. Manchester City have those utility defenders in Nathan Aké and Josko Gvardiol. Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori comes into the same category.”
Liverpool could benefit from a defender of the mould of players that Carragher mentioned, someone who is defensively astute and capable of playing as a left-back and a centre-back. The Reds have Joe Gomez who could play in that position but he is dominantly a right-footed player.
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Furthermore, the 27-year-old has struggled to receive enough game time under Slot this season which puts question on how much the new head coach rates him. Considering that Gomez shined at the left-back position last season, it is not bad to give him the opportunity until someone worthy pops up.
