Slot has ‘undroppable’ Liverpool star for City game | OneFootball

Robertson’s Return Key as Slot Prepares Liverpool for Man City Clash

Liverpool’s resurgence has arrived at just the right time for Arne Slot, who now faces one of his most significant selection dilemmas ahead of a showdown with Manchester City. After a difficult spell earlier this season, back-to-back wins and clean sheets have steadied the Reds’ campaign. Much of that defensive improvement coincides with the return of Andy Robertson — and Slot may find it impossible to leave his vice-captain out of the starting eleven.

Robertson Restores Liverpool’s Balance

When Slot arrived at Anfield, he sought to blend the freshness of his summer signings with the reliability of Liverpool’s long-standing leaders. Yet as the season unfolded, Milos Kerkez’s inconsistent form and moments of inexperience exposed Liverpool’s left side. Robertson’s reintroduction has swiftly restored the team’s stability and structure.

The Scotland international has long been one of Liverpool’s emotional anchors — a player whose intensity and composure lift those around him. His recent displays against Aston Villa and Real Madrid underline why he remains indispensable. In both fixtures, Robertson offered more than just defensive assurance; his overlapping runs, pressing intelligence and leadership helped re-establish Liverpool’s identity.

Slot’s Tactical Trust in Experience

Slot has been methodical in shaping his preferred lineup, often sticking with a near-unchanged team across recent matches. His attention to detail was evident as he managed Robertson’s minutes carefully — substituting him against Crystal Palace to preserve energy before a demanding European night.

Speaking after the Madrid game, Slot highlighted Robertson’s resilience. “He’s done really well in the last three games because he’s played three times in seven days,” the Liverpool boss noted. “It’s not easy, but his fitness and focus have been outstanding. When the team plays well, every individual benefits — and that’s exactly what we’ve seen recently.”

That trust between manager and senior player has been crucial to Liverpool’s mini-revival. Robertson’s composure on the ball, coupled with his aggression off it, has offered calm in high-pressure phases — something Slot knows will be vital against City’s relentless attacking rhythm.

City Challenge Demands Robertson’s Leadership

Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad arrives with just one point separating the two sides in the Premier League standings. City’s firepower, led by Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, will test every inch of Liverpool’s defensive setup. It’s precisely the sort of encounter where Robertson’s big-game temperament is needed.

Kerkez, though talented, has at times appeared uncertain in possession and prone to hurried decisions. Against a side as punishing as City, hesitation could prove costly. Robertson, on the other hand, brings an authority born of experience — the calm head in chaos.

Slot’s recent decisions have shown a manager unafraid to rotate when needed but also willing to back consistency when it matters most. If Liverpool are to contain City’s multi-layered threat, Robertson’s inclusion feels less like a tactical choice and more like an essential safeguard.

Liverpool’s Defensive Core Strengthened

Beyond individual form, Robertson’s presence impacts those around him. His understanding with Virgil van Dijk anchors the left side, while his communication helps younger teammates like Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konaté maintain defensive discipline. With two clean sheets in his last two starts, the data supports what the eye already sees — Liverpool look harder to break down with Robertson involved.

Veteran journalist Henry Winter summed it up neatly after the Real Madrid victory: “Andy Robertson is the left-back who just can’t be left out. He brings intensity, belief and defensive nous. Liverpool look tougher to beat with Robertson.”

Slot’s priority this weekend will be fielding a side that marries energy with experience. In that balance, Robertson’s role is beyond debate. His return has not only fortified Liverpool’s backline but also reignited their competitive edge — precisely what’s needed as the champions prepare to test themselves against Pep Guardiola’s machine.