Milos Kerkez to Liverpool looks INEVITABLE thanks to Andy Robertson

We saw the old Andy Robertson against Real Madrid - and learned that Liverpool need Milos Kerkez. He's the one we're looking for.

Andy Robertson was brutally unfortunate to concede a penalty against Real Madrid. He also nearly gave a goal away by mishitting a clearance.

EXCLUSIVE: Virgil van Dijk is STAYING at Liverpool

But in an intense game, stuff happens. Robertson was fantastic on the whole, with his energy and pressing causing problems for Madrid all night long.

They were never sure how or where to track him, nor could they stop him from supporting Luis Diaz on the left flank from the very first minute. This was the Robertson of old - one we haven't seen very often this season.

His energy levels were off the charts, showing everyone why he was once quite clearly the world's best left-back. Robertson brought back the days when he impressed Jose Mourinho so much.

“Liverpool play 200mph with and without the ball," Mourinho said back in 2018.

“I am still tired to look at Robertson. He makes a 100m sprint per minute! Incredible.”

In doing so, the Scot also reminded us of all of his importance to the team. When he's flying, Liverpool are flying.

But it's also a reminder that Liverpool must sort his replacement.

Milos Kerkez at Liverpool

Our understanding at Anfield Watch is that Liverpool are in preliminary talks over Milos Kerkez. The Bournemouth left-back is thought of very highly.

This Robertson display highlighted why. Kerkez is, after all, similar to a young Robertson with his own energy levels and how he likes to get up the pitch.

Both Kerkez this season and Robertson in his first Liverpool season average around three progressive carries per game. In other words, three times per game they'd be the one to carry the team forward with the ball at their feet. That roughly translates to carrying the ball into the final third, too - Robertson did it just over twice per 90, Kerkez just under.

Of course, comparing the two like that is difficult - Robertson played in a much, much better team.

But there are so many similarities in style. Shot creation? Kerkez is involved in 2.59 per 90 this season. Robertson's first season at Anfield saw him nail 2.4 per 90.

Defensively, too. Both Robertson's debut campaign and Kerkez's current average around the 0.16 rate for tackles in the attacking third. It's something both players want to try.

And Kerkez only just turned 21! There's so much potential here, both in replicating Robertson and finding a way to become the attacking and defence force Liverpool want.

The Reds got a reminder of just how powerful that can be on Wednesday. Kerkez can secure it for them long-term.

READ MORE: Konate and Bradley injury updates