Kerkez v Robertson: Clear WINNER emerges in head-to-head left-back battle

Arne Slot’s recent decision to start Kostas Tsimikas over Andy Robertson has made waves in the Liverpool camp.

Robertson’s form this season hasn’t warranted keeping his place in the starting XI, but the decision to test out a run of games with Tsimikas starting in the team is a momentous decision given Robertson is a mainstay of Liverpool’s most successful team since the 1980s.

In this morning’s press conference, head coach Arne Slot supported Tsimikas’s quality and the need for rotation.

READ MORE: Milos Kerkez is coming to Liverpool and it is going to be SPECIAL

“I think my lineups tell you what I think about [starting Tsimikas]. I think we have two very good full-backs and we play many, many many, games… it's also a position where a lot of effort is being asked,” the Dutchman said.

“So if you look at the players that have played most games it's most about our centre backs and they don't run the most, if you compare that to full-backs or to midfielders or to wingers, so there are multiple reasons why our full-backs or midfielders are sometimes rotated.

“But definitely also has to do with the quality of the players and the difference, at least in my opinion, between the quality of these players. So for me I have two very good left full-backs and [Robertson] has started a lot, Kostas has started a few times, so let's see who starts.”

The ‘dropping’ of Robertson comes particularly after his difficulties against Bukayo Saka in the recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, as well as his overall struggles this season. Because of this, there have been significant links between Liverpool and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.

Can Kerkez replace Robertson?

The Kerkez links make sense largely because now-Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes signed the player when he was technical director at Bournemouth.

Our report yesterday made the case for Kerkez and he has an ever-growing list of supporters. His two assists and outstanding defensive display in Bournemouth’s shock defeat of Manchester City last weekend only added to this.

More than half of Robertson’s 1.5 expected assisted goals this season came from a single chance created for Dominik Szoboszlai against Wolves. If you remove this, he has only notched 0.7 xAG in nine games in the Premier League, leaving his xAG per 90 at a woeful 0.09 so far this season.

Kerkez is also much more willing to run with the ball, notching 3.01 progressive carries per 90 to Robertson’s 1.89, whilst creating similar progressive passes (4.52 to Robbo’s 4.73). As a result, the replacement would see ample support for whichever of Liverpool’s wingers occupies the left side.

Kerkez beats Robbo hands down

Kerkez also creates over 0.6 more shots per 90 than Robertson this season (2.69 to 2.03), as well as a 2.58 tackle & interception rate to Robertson’s 1.62. He completes more take-ons, 1.08 per 90 to Robertson’s 0.54, and wins more aerial duels at 0.54 to 0.14.

In every important metric, Kerkez is clearly outflanking Robertson’s performance levels. It brings us no joy to say it, given the place Robertson has in the hearts of the Anfield faithful, but father time is a ruthless thing.

And having just turned 21 yesterday, Kerkez is far from the finished article, meaning that he could grow with Arne Slot’s side whilst immediately contributing to it.

Summer transfer rumours suggested the asking price for the Hungarian full-back would be around £40m, but it is one Liverpool can - and should - be willing to pay.

READ MORE: Liverpool DESPERATE to sign NEXT Sadio Mane