For far too long, one of the most pressing issues in Liverpool’s setup has gone largely unaddressed. Andy Robertson, once the dynamo of Liverpool’s left flank, has gradually seen his output decline. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans who’ve come to rely on him for vital assists and pivotal moments. But the reality is clear: Robertson’s numbers are dropping, and his defensive lapses have become more frequent. This drop-off, which many seem to overlook, has been far more damaging than people give credit for.

While his legacy at Liverpool is undeniable, a full-back who redefined the position, the harsh truth is that Liverpool have been too slow to rectify the situation. With the ever-increasing demands of the Premier League and the Champions League, stagnation simply isn’t an option. Liverpool’s left-back position has been in need of fresh blood for a while, and Milos Kerkez could be the man to bring that spark.

The rumours swirling around Milos Kerkez moving to Anfield should not be met with hesitant optimism, but with excitement. This is not simply about a new face filling the left-back spot; it’s about a transformative signing. Kerkez is exactly what Liverpool need, not just for his individual qualities, but for the balance he brings to the team.

As highlighted during yesterday’s podcast from Anfield Index with Bournemouth fan Craig, Kerkez has all the attributes Liverpool require: “He’s fantastic going forwards, great in defence, he reads the game so well, an all-round player.” This is not just another signing to fill a void, this is a player who changes the way the team operates. Craig further remarked that Kerkez is “by far the best left-back in the Premier League,” and while that may sound bold, his consistent performances for Bournemouth leave little room for doubt. He’s been outstanding and ready for the next step, which could be at Anfield.

What excites me most about Kerkez is how his arrival would shift the entire dynamic of Liverpool’s left side. His ability to make intelligent runs, combine with midfielders, and put dangerous balls into the box would breathe life back into a left flank that’s looked sluggish of late. If we’re being honest, Robertson hasn’t been able to offer that same level of intensity this season. There have been glimpses, but it’s not consistent.

Kerkez’s arrival won’t just be a fresh addition, it will be a shift in how Liverpool play. His presence on the left side allows Liverpool to stretch defences, unlock passing lanes, and provide Díaz or Gakpo with the kind of support they have often lacked. The tactical impact of this will be felt throughout the team, helping balance the often right-heavy system we’ve seen in recent seasons.

I understand that singling out Robertson might seem harsh, but it’s necessary. We’ve watched for too long as Liverpool’s left side has been weaker than it should be. Robertson has, by all means, been a fantastic servant to the club, but the issues are becoming harder to ignore. Nobody wants to pile in on Robertson, he’s been a huge part of Liverpool’s success and is the captain of Scotland, which as proud Scot myself, resonates. But it’s hard to deny that freshening up the position has become a necessity.

Craig also pointed out how quickly Milos Kerkez adapted to the Premier League: “He hasn’t had a poor game for this football club. Week in, week out, he gives a consistent performance.” It’s clear that this consistency could bring the stability Liverpool need on their left flank. He’s the kind of player who will not only challenge Robertson but potentially raise the bar for everyone in the team.

Kerkez will provide the competition and quality that Robertson needs, not to mention the dynamism that the team has been missing. A player who can consistently combine in attack, as well as maintain defensive solidity, is what Liverpool have lacked. We need someone who brings balance, not only from an attacking perspective but from a defensive one too. Kerkez has the tenacity to hold his own in tough situations, something that has often been missing from Liverpool’s left side.

What excites me most about Kerkez is the way he fits into Liverpool’s broader system. His ability to make intelligent runs, combine with teammates in tight spaces, and contribute defensively is key. Kerkez could be the piece that unlocks a new level of tactical sophistication in the Liverpool setup.

Craig’s admiration for Kerkez is undeniable, but it’s not just about praising him for his standout performances. It’s about the effect he’ll have on the whole team. “He’s one of the best left-backs in the world at this moment in time,” Craig said, and he’s not wrong. Kerkez’s combination of attributes, pace, crossing, and intelligent positioning, will offer Liverpool new dimensions in attack and defence. As Craig observed, teams have struggled to break down Bournemouth’s left side due to Kerkez’s excellent defending: “He’s got it covered so well.”

With the likes of Mac Allister and Szoboszlai pushing forward, Kerkez provides the kind of movement and width that could stretch defences and open up space for others to exploit.

I have been watching Robertson’s decline closely, and I don’t believe the common consensus fully recognises the extent of it. Sure, the occasional assist is still there, but it’s no longer the driving force it once was. And defensively, we’ve seen Robertson struggle at times with his positioning and recovery.

Craig echoed a similar sentiment in his conversation, highlighting how effective Kerkez was not only going forward but also in the defensive phase: “He’s a battler. He’s not afraid to get injured. He won’t pull out of challenges.” This resilience could make all the difference in the long run for Liverpool’s left side, offering that defensive stability Robertson has lacked at times.

The facts are simple, when you rely on a left-back to provide that much attacking threat, the drop-off in performance becomes glaring. Liverpool have often had to compensate for Robertson’s defensive issues, and while his work ethic has never been questioned, the reality is that a more dynamic, reliable option is needed. Kerkez could be exactly what the team needs, and I truly believe he represents the future of Liverpool’s left side.

Liverpool have waited too long for a left-back who can both defend and attack with authority. Milos Kerkez isn’t just the answer to the question, he’s the new direction the team needs. He brings balance, dynamism, and tactical awareness that will complement Liverpool’s evolving midfield and attacking structure.

This isn’t about giving up on Robertson, this is about Liverpool evolving, about ensuring that every part of the team is firing at its maximum potential. If the reports are to be believed, Kerkez is that piece.

For Liverpool fans, it’s difficult to accept that Robertson might no longer be the answer, but football is about progress. And with Kerkez, that progress seems assured.