Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has not held back in his criticism of Andy Robertson following a string of underwhelming performances that culminated in a disastrous outing against Fulham. The match, played at Anfield, saw Liverpool drop crucial points, with Robertson at the center of several costly errors that have raised serious questions about his form and Liverpool’s depth at left-back.
The problems for Robertson began early in the game when Fulham’s Issa Diop made a forceful challenge on the Scotsman. Many onlookers felt the tackle warranted a red card, but both the referee and VAR opted against any intervention. This controversial moment seemed to unsettle Robertson, and his subsequent defensive misjudgment allowed Andreas Pereira to open the scoring for Fulham, handing the visitors an unlikely lead.
Things went from bad to worse just minutes later. A heavy touch from Robertson gifted possession to Harry Wilson, who wasted no time in breaking towards Liverpool’s goal. Desperate to rectify his mistake, Robertson fouled Wilson just outside the penalty area. The challenge left the referee with no choice but to issue a straight red card, as it was deemed to have denied a clear goalscoring opportunity. Liverpool, reduced to ten men, faced an uphill battle for the remainder of the game.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Liverpool fought back, with Cody Gakpo leveling the score in the second half. However, Fulham regained the lead in the 76th minute through Rodrigo Muniz, capitalizing on Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Just when it seemed like Liverpool were on the brink of a rare second home defeat this season, Diogo Jota struck late to salvage a point. The result, however, did little to mask the glaring issues in Liverpool’s backline, particularly on the left flank.
In the aftermath of the game, Carragher expressed serious concerns about Liverpool’s lack of depth at left-back, urging the club to address the issue in the upcoming January transfer window. He specifically pointed to Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as a potential solution, praising the young defender’s aggressive style and seamless adaptation to the Premier League. Carragher noted that Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, had played a pivotal role in bringing Kerkez to Bournemouth, hinting that his expertise could facilitate a move to Anfield.
Speaking to Sky Sports (via Daily Mail), Carragher highlighted Robertson’s struggles and the urgent need for reinforcements:
“Against Fulham, he doesn’t look like he’s running back fully. He got a knock earlier and was slow to control the ball before the red card. He needs help. Liverpool have no real back-up at left-back, and that’s an issue they need to resolve in January.”
Carragher went on to heap praise on Kerkez, saying:
“Kerkez has been outstanding at Bournemouth. He’s aggressive, looks like a proper full-back, and has adapted superbly to the Premier League. He’s definitely one to watch.”
Robertson’s struggles this season have been a recurring theme. He has been involved in several high-profile errors, including conceding penalties against Southampton and Real Madrid. Fortunately for Liverpool, goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up on those occasions to spare Robertson’s blushes. However, these lapses have only added to the growing sentiment that Liverpool need to start planning for life beyond Robertson.
While Kerkez has emerged as a strong candidate, he is not the only name linked with a move to Anfield. Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies has also been touted as a potential successor. Davies, widely regarded as one of the best left-backs in the world, would represent a marquee signing, though his transfer would likely come with a hefty price tag.
Despite his recent struggles, Robertson remains a fan favorite and a key figure in Liverpool’s success over the years. However, with the team aiming to compete on multiple fronts, the need for reliable options in every position is more pressing than ever. Whether it’s Kerkez, Davies, or another target, Liverpool’s January transfer dealings could play a crucial role in determining their fortunes for the remai
nder of the season.