Former Scotland international Pat Nevin has launched a stinging critique of Liverpool's treatment of defender Andy Robertson, claiming the veteran left-back has been 'poorly treated' this season following a significant summer snub.
A Changing of the Guard at Anfield
The situation at Anfield has shifted dramatically for Robertson, a player once considered indispensable. The 31-year-old Scot, who arrived from Hull City for a bargain £8 million in 2017, has been a cornerstone of Liverpool's success, lifting two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his tenure.
Despite being handed the vice-captaincy in August, Robertson's role has diminished sharply. The catalyst for this change was the £40 million summer acquisition of 22-year-old Hungarian defender Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. Kerkez has frequently been selected ahead of the experienced Robertson, a decision that has raised eyebrows and prompted Nevin's strong comments.
Nevin's Blunt Assessment
Speaking to CasinoHawks, Nevin did not hold back in his analysis. 'I have been asking why Arne Slot has been playing Milos Kerkez when Andy Robertson has been in better form,' Nevin stated. He framed the issue as one of unnecessary revolution over evolution, arguing that disrupting a title-winning squad carries significant risks.
'Imagine if you're Liverpool and you've got a very successful group and you've just won the league, but you know you've got to change it,' Nevin continued. 'It's evolution, not revolution at that point. Don't throw in a revolution.'
Nevin suggested that such sweeping changes, which also saw the departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Luis Díaz, could create unease within the squad. 'If you are Virgil van Dijk or someone like that, you'll look and think: 'Am I next?'' he speculated.
He was particularly critical of Robertson's benching, stating, 'I think Robbo has been quite poorly treated there for a little while this season.' However, he praised the defender's professional response, calling him an 'absolutely staggeringly good professional' who 'just took it, sucked it up.'
A Potential Turning Point
The statistics underscore the shift in dynamics. This season, Kerkez has been given nine Premier League starts, while Robertson has featured in the starting lineup just twice. The situation appears to have taken a mental toll, with Robertson confessing earlier in the campaign that he had, for the first time, pondered his future at the club during the summer.
However, recent evidence suggests a potential recalibration from manager Arne Slot. Over Liverpool's previous five fixtures, Robertson has clocked up more game time than his Hungarian rival, indicating a possible return to favour for the Scotland captain.
Nevin believes this adjustment is a positive step, crediting Slot for realising his initial mistake. 'I'm convinced it was a bad idea to drop Robbo. And I'm convinced Arne Slot has realised that now,' Nevin said. 'So well done, Slot, for figuring that out.'
While acknowledging that 'Kerkez will get the spot eventually,' Nevin pointed out that the young defender has seemed to 'freeze on occasions,' a luxury a top club cannot afford. He concluded that Liverpool generally look 'better, generally, with him [Robertson] there, because it's a settled group, a unit that knows each other.'
