Liverpool have a problem at left-back, and I believe it is becoming one of the weakest areas of Andoni Iraola’s squad.
The departure of Andy Robertson was always going to leave big boots to fill. He was one of the best left-backs in the world during his peak years at Anfield, bringing energy, aggression, outstanding delivery and a winning mentality.
But Liverpool have not found a convincing replacement.
Milos Kerkez was brought in to take over the position, while Kostas Tsimikas returned from his loan spell at Roma to provide competition. Unfortunately, neither has done enough to convince me that the position is properly covered.
For me, Liverpool need to make signing a new left-back a priority.
Kerkez has not convinced at Anfield
I wanted Kerkez to succeed at Liverpool. He had impressed at Bournemouth, knew Iraola’s football from their time together and looked like someone who could develop into an excellent attacking full-back.
There have been flashes of quality, particularly going forward, but his overall performances have been too inconsistent.
Defensively, there have been occasions when he has looked vulnerable. His positioning, decision-making and ability to deal with runners in behind have all raised questions.
He is still young, and I am not writing him off completely. There is a good player in there, but Liverpool cannot keep waiting for potential to turn into consistent performances.
The pressure of replacing Robertson is enormous, but that is the reality of playing for Liverpool.
Tsimikas isn’t the answer either
I have always appreciated Tsimikas’s commitment to Liverpool, but I don’t believe he is good enough to be our long-term back-up left-back.
When he was given an opportunity against Fulham, he failed to take it and was substituted at half-time.
That is a concern because a club competing in the Premier League and Champions League needs reliable alternatives in every position.
You cannot expect to challenge for major trophies when the drop-off in quality between your first-choice player and his replacement is so noticeable.
Tsimikas has had his moments in a Liverpool shirt, but I think the time has come to look for a better option.
Robertson’s departure has left a bigger problem than expected
Perhaps Liverpool underestimated just how difficult it would be to replace Robertson.
He was more than just a defender. His stamina, personality, leadership and understanding with the players ahead of him made him an important part of the team for years.
The early evidence this season suggests Liverpool have lost quality on the left side of their defence. The Independent has also highlighted the downgrade following Robertson’s departure, while other analysis has questioned Kerkez’s defensive consistency.
It is not simply about finding someone who can run up and down the touchline. Liverpool need a left-back who can defend properly, contribute in attack and be trusted in the biggest matches.
That is what Robertson gave us for so many years.
Liverpool must make left-back a transfer priority
I would like to see Liverpool bring in an established left-back who can immediately challenge for a starting place.
Kerkez can still be part of the squad, particularly if he improves under Iraola, but the club should not assume that he will automatically become the long-term answer.
Competition is healthy, and no player should be guaranteed a starting place simply because there is nobody else available.
Liverpool have strengthened other areas of the squad, but this is one position where I believe we are still short.
I don’t want to see another season pass with the same questions being asked about our left-back options.
My verdict: Liverpool cannot afford to ignore this weakness
For me, left-back is a weak link in Liverpool’s defence.
Tsimikas isn’t good enough to provide the competition we need, while Kerkez has yet to convince that he can be trusted as the long-term first choice.
I’m not saying Kerkez cannot improve, but Liverpool should be planning for the future rather than hoping everything eventually clicks into place.
Robertson was an outstanding player for this club, and replacing him was never going to be easy.
But if Liverpool want to compete for the biggest trophies again, they need quality across the entire back four.
A new left-back should be high on Iraola’s transfer wish list.
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
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