Arne Slot has been told to replace one Liverpool star (Picture: Getty)
Liverpool have been urged to consider sounding out replacements for Andy Robertson in January after the left-back’s indifferent start to the season.
Signed for just £8million from Hull back in 2017, the Scot went on to become a vital cog in Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal, attacking style.
The left-back has now made over 300 appearances in all competitions for the clubs but doubts have begun to creep in about his levels of performances as he enters his eighth season at the club.
Robertson endured a torrid time up against Bukayo Saka at the Emirates on Sunday, falling over as the Arsenal winger cut inside to smash home the Gunners’ opener.
But former Reds winger Jermaine Pennant believes it isn’t the first time this season that Robertson has been caught out and thinks Arne Slot would be wise to look at replacements when the transfer window reopens in a few months.
‘Liverpool 100% need to consider a new left-back in January to replace Andy Robertson, Pennant told told Instant Casino.
‘I was saying it during the game against Arsenal – Robertson has been an absolutely fantastic servant for the club over the years, but he definitely got found out against Bukayo Saka.
Andy Robertson endured a tough afternoon against Bukayo Saka last weekend (Picture: Getty)
‘Yes, you don’t come up against that calibre of opposition every week, but you could see he was having a tough afternoon. He’s not as quick anymore, so I think it’s imperative that Liverpool address it soon.’
Kostas Tsimikas has been reliably deployed as Robertson’s backup since his arrival in 2020, but Pennant believes that the Greek full-back should not be seen as the permanent replacement for Robertson in the long term.
‘Tsimikas did a better job when he came on, but is he really a long-term, first-choice left-back for Liverpool?’ he said. ‘I don’t think so – the club need to look for one in January.’
Instead, Pennant wants Liverpool to target Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson who has impressed under Marco Silva this season.
‘I think he would be a good replacement,’ he added. ‘He’s quick and that helps massively when trying to deal with players like Saka, which makes the game a lot easier.
‘He likes to get forward as well like Robertson does and we’ve seen him pick up some assists, so that would be a good replacement in my eyes.’
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