Scotland Manager Defends Andy Robertson Ahead of Milos Kerkez’s Liverpool Arrival | OneFootball

Liverpool, Loyalty and Leadership: Why Andy Robertson Still Matters

Unfair Judgement in a Changing Team

Andy Robertson has never been one to court headlines. His reputation at Liverpool has been forged not through theatrics or hype but through relentless work ethic, unshakeable professionalism and a burning desire to win. Yet as the 2024/25 season wore on, criticism mounted.

Some fans, perhaps clouded by short memories, began to question whether the Scotland captain’s best days were behind him. With Liverpool exploring the market for a new left-back and links to Hungary’s Milos Kerkez gathering momentum, Robertson’s Anfield future feels less certain than ever.

Yes, the Scot wasn’t at his blistering best last season. Yes, Liverpool, under new management with Arne Slot, are evolving tactically. But is that enough reason to discard a figure who has given the club everything?

Photo: IMAGO

Clarke Defends His Captain

One voice that has refused to join the chorus of detractors is Scotland manager Steve Clarke. Speaking ahead of a friendly against Iceland, Clarke offered a robust defence of his skipper:

“If Andy decides to stay and fight for his place, I’m sure he’ll play enough. He had to fight so hard to have a career and to build on that. I don’t see a decline in him. I see him coming here and playing well, and I’ve watched him a number of times for Liverpool, and I didn’t see any drop.”

Clarke’s faith in Robertson has been consistent since the day he succeeded Alex McLeish, who first handed the armband to the then-young full-back. Clarke added:

“When I came in, I saw no reason to change that captaincy, and he’s been a fantastic captain for Scotland.”

It is no small praise. This is not just about what Robertson offers on the pitch, which remains considerable, but what he represents off it: continuity, leadership, and a standard of commitment that younger players would do well to emulate.

Value Beyond the Numbers

With Kostas Tsimikas attracting interest from clubs such as Juventus and Atletico Madrid, Liverpool’s left-back department is at a turning point. Bringing in a dynamic, younger option like Kerkez makes sense, but so does maintaining experience within the squad.

Robertson, who has just one year left on his contract, should not be hastily ushered out. Even if this is to be his final season at Anfield, the value of having him involved could prove immense, particularly for someone like Kerkez, who, at 22, still has much to learn.

Photo: IMAGO

There is wisdom in gradual transition. Slot is building a new chapter, but even the most forward-thinking teams benefit from a solid foundation. Having Robertson as part of the dressing room – guiding, competing, and mentoring – offers precisely that.

Final Year Could Be Robertson’s Most Important

Should Robertson see out his deal before departing on a free in 2025, it will not be with resentment or fanfare but, hopefully, with the recognition he deserves. One final campaign to offer leadership and resilience, qualities that cannot be bought in the market.

Liverpool are entering a period of strategic change. New faces will arrive. Old figures will move on. But for a team aiming to recapture domestic and European dominance, stability will be just as important as fresh ideas.

In that regard, there are few more valuable assets than Andy Robertson.