Robertson keen to win back starting spot at Liverpool after poor start from replacement Kerkez

Andrew Robertson has made it clear he will not give up his spot as Liverpool’s first-choice left-back, even after admitting there was a chance he could have joined Atletico Madrid in the summer.

The 31-year-old, who has been at Anfield since 2017, has lost his starting role this season to 20-year-old Milos Kerkez, a £40 million signing seen as the club’s long-term option on the left side of defence.

Although Robertson was linked with a move to Atletico – who happen to be Liverpool’s first Champions League opponents on Wednesday – he chose to stay for the final year of his contract, aware that his opportunities might now come from the bench.

That was the case at Burnley on Saturday, where Robertson entered the game in the 38th minute to replace Kerkez, who had already been booked.

His introduction helped steady Arne Slot’s side as they held on for a 1-0 win to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season.

Reflecting on the speculation, the Scotland captain said: “Maybe at one point. I do want to play games and be the starting left-back and I have got to keep pushing to try to produce the levels I know I can do.

“The international break was good for me as I was able to get two 90 minutes, get that match fitness and two really good results for Scotland and I took a lot of confidence from that.

“He [Kerkez] is only young and I think we forget that. You try to help them as much as you can but you want to put pressure on them and you want to play games.

“He will be the starting left-back for Liverpool in the future and it’s up to me to push him this season and help him improve.

“He just needs to keep working hard and not let today affect him, which it won’t as he’s a confident lad, and I’ll help him as much as I can.”

Kerkez’s situation mirrors Robertson’s own experience when he first arrived at Liverpool from Hull City in 2017. Back then, he had to wait until December to become a regular starter under Jurgen Klopp.

Robertson acknowledged the similarities: “It’s a massive jump. I came from Hull, he’s come from Bournemouth and it’s probably quite similar.

“There are a lot more eyes on you in a Liverpool jersey than at those two clubs. He has transitioned well.

“There’s a lot of information and a lot of different ways of playing and he just needs to keep going and keep his confidence.

“I have no doubt in the future he will be a fantastic left-back for Liverpool and that’s the main thing.”