Liverpool have got a tough week ahead as they continue to look for a Premier League win against Aston Villa.
Arne Slot is coming into the game off the back of two hefty defeats, with the most recent a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, which featured a team with only a small handful of senior stars.
It was a decision clearly taken with the intent of giving the vast majority of his usual starting XI a break before what looks like a nightmare week, which features games against Real Madrid and Manchester City.
While it may have been a clever decision from one angle, it is still a choice that has annoyed some supporters, given that they had spent their money to go to the match to see a younger team fielded.
Out of the handful of senior players who made the team, only a few can hold their heads high, especially one star who was a part of a trio dubbed ‘superb’ despite what they did against Palace.
Andy Robertson has to start against Aston Villa
Andy Robertson was one of those who stepped up to the plate to fill that experienced role as captain for the game, playing as a left centre-back.
While the Scotsman had some little struggles in the game, the 31-year-old still proved why he deserved a start over his counterpart, Milos Kerkez, at the weekend.
The star won 100% tackles, made two clearances, and three recoveries in his performance in a slightly altered role.
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When watching the player, it was clear that he had a good strength to his work, and despite not being as lightning quick as he was a few years ago, Robertson showed a willingness to get back.
His interventions in the game saved it from being worse on the scoreline, and for how he managed that team for the time he was on the pitch, his appearance on Saturday against Villa is a must.
In this period where the Reds seem to be lacking the leadership required, adding an extra experienced head onto the field with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah can only help matters.
Robertson, in his cameo and starts in cup games this season, has shown his worth; this should be a reward from Slot for his hard work.
Milos Kerkez will work better off the bench for the Aston Villa game
The Hungarian will have to be dropped in this instance, and while it may not be the best for his confidence, he could work really well coming on as a substitute.
Kerkez, in his displays this season, has shown two things which have not been used to their full potential: tenacity and pace.
He cannot be criticised for not showing heart and desire, despite his clear defensive mistakes, so it needs to be used to good advantage.
Bringing him on once Robertson’s legs have started to slow completely gives Liverpool a disruptor in that sense, who will get stuck in and quicken the game up instantly.
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