Andy Robertson to go back to basics under Arne Slot as Liverpool’s major problem is evident

Following his seventh season as a Liverpool player, Andy Robertson equaled his fewest ever appearances in the 23/24 term.

The Scotland captain’s 30 appearances in all competitions were his fewest since his debut tenure in 2017/18, when he was a new signing adjusting to the rigors of an emerging Jurgen Klopp side.

Robertson has come a long way since his early months on Merseyside following an £8million switch from Hull City and the lack of production this time around can be directly attributed to injuries, particularly a shoulder problem which has required surgery in October.

In a Liverpool season that has largely been characterized by fitness concerns for many of Klopp’s squad, Robertson has been affected as much as anyone. An awkward fall while contesting a ball with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon forced the defender to go under the knife.

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After playing his part in the 2-2 draw with Brighton at the start of October, the left-back was sidelined until the end of January, returning as a late substitute in an FA Cup clash with Norwich City at Anfield.

A first start in over four months came in the 3-1 home win against Burnley on February 10, and Robertson’s output has understandably been diluted as he tries to return to top form.

A free run in the Carabao Cup final triumph over Chelsea at the end of February was a highlight of the season and his goal in an early season win at Wolves was important as he latched on to Mohamed Salah’s pass to score 2 -1. Robertson was also on target in a 2-2 draw with West Ham and home win against Tottenham in late April and early May respectively. That figure equaled his most prolific, but Robertson is often judged attacking at Anfield and that column has taken a significant dip.

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Just two assists for a player who posted double figures in four other seasons (13, 12, 15, 11) was enough evidence of his waning influence in the final third, even if there were extenuating circumstances for the retirement.

Joe Gomez’s adaptation to the position, where he was sometimes asked to move into more central areas, meant that Robertson was not always forced to move up and down the flank, but how much of that change was due to the first choice was in a way. from 100% only he, the medical staff and Klopp will know.

Now 30, Robertson remains an important part of the Liverpool operation, but it will now take a strong injury-free pre-season to give Arne Slot a real indication of his qualities. In a way, the Slot era may just be about getting back to basics for someone who can still be an integral part of the setup.

Rating at the end of the season: 6