It's time to be brave: Richard Hughes has £4m decision to make

Liverpool's crisis at left-back will take a casualty this summer and it is essential that the club make the correct decision.

Both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas have proven that a fresh face is needed down the left-flank, with costly errors coming from that side of the pitch.

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In Sunday's 2-1 win over West Ham, fans saw both players in action and the contrast between the two could not have been bigger.

Liverpool have been spectacular this season and the club's eventual Premier League win - which is now just six points away - will be thoroughly deserved.

But the Hammers could have easily come away from Anfield with a share of the points and errors like the one that nearly cost Liverpool today will continue next season if the club makes the wrong decision.

Tsimikas has to stay over Robertson

The Greek international started the game on Sunday and was relatively faultless in his 60 minute appearance.

He won an interception, a tackle and three ground duels, as well as completing one cross, three long-balls and a key pass.

It wasn't a world beating performance, but the 28-year-old still deserves credit. No one had any complaints and that's all you can ask from him.

But what followed when Robertson was brought on in place of him created the biggest talking point of the entire contest, which itself was largely drab as the Anfield crowd struggled to feel inspired.

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In 30 minutes, the Scottish captain had 18 touches, six accurate passes, one aerial duel won and an own goal.

A collision with Virgil Van Dijk, which led to the own-goal, left a lot to be desired. An error in communication led to West Ham being gifted a last gasp opportunity to upset the apple cart.

Fortunately the Liverpool captain made up for his part in the error by scoring the winner just three minutes later, but Robertson could do nothing to mask his disaster-class.

A variety of left-back options have been considered already this season by the club, with Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez appearing as the favourite to join the Reds next season.

However, a space will need to be opened up for him and at least one of Robertson or Tsimikas will go.

Following Sunday's events, which are backed up by the errors that have followed him all season, it is clear that Robertson's time is up.

His eight years of service will be remembered for the highs that he helped the team reach, breaking the Premier League assist record for defenders, while adding a level of defensive stability that his right-back counterpart Trent Alexander-Arnold constantly aspired to match.

But this season's version of the player isn't the same. He's been sloppy, dis-jointed and lackadaisical in his defending. Against wingers with a burst of pace, he is left in the dust and the errors he continues to commit are costing his team.

According to Capology, the difference between his and Tsimikas' contracts is £4m per year. The Greek Scouser is contracted until 2027, while Robertson's deal is due to expire next season.

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For Richard Hughes and the recruitment department, the necessary decision is clear. Sell Robertson for what you can and save a little on the club's wage bill ahead of a busy summer of transfer business.