In his latest column, Liverpool great John Aldridge delivers his assessment of the Reds’ 1-0 win at Burnley, addressing the key decisions made at Turf Moor
Andy Robertson has once again shown why he remains one of Liverpool’s most important figures, both on and off the pitch.
His influential performance in the Reds’ 1-0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday not only salvaged a tough away game but also underlined his case for a recall ahead of Liverpool’s crucial Merseyside derby clash with Everton.
The Scotland international was introduced earlier than expected after Milos Kerkez, the £40million summer signing from Bournemouth, was substituted in the first half following an early booking for simulation in the 22nd minute.
Arne Slot admitted after the game that leaving the young Hungary international on the field would have been too risky given the wet and blustery conditions, with the possibility of a second booking leaving Liverpool a man down. Robertson, the club’s vice-captain, was the ideal replacement, bringing calm, experience, and attacking impetus to the left flank
.Once on the pitch, Robertson rolled back the years, demonstrating the blend of defensive solidity and attacking support that has made him one of the most reliable left-backs in Europe over the past eight years.
Liverpool legend John Aldridge highlighted both Slot’s tactical decision and Robertson’s influence in his latest column for the Liverpool Echo.
“The decision from Arne Slot to take Milos Kerkez off before half-time was the right one. It might have looked harsh but it had to be done,” Aldridge wrote.
“After picking up a silly yellow card for diving, Kerkez was walking the tightrope and left himself open to another borderline decision that would have seen Liverpool down to 10 men on the day, which, obviously, could have massively changed the course of travel for that game. It is something the young Hungary defender will learn from going forward, I am sure.
“Kerkez knew as well when he was coming off what the situation was and Andy Robertson came in and did a great job too. The flow of the game meant he was allowed to go forward a bit more and he rolled back the years at times down that left side.”
Aldridge also emphasised Robertson’s status as a modern-day Liverpool legend, comparing him to one of the club’s great left-backs of the past and highlighting the player’s influence within the squad:
“Robertson has been a star for this club and the biggest compliment I can pay Robbo is that he is the closest thing to the great Joey Jones we’ve had at the club,” Aldridge added.
“You have to be a special player and character to have the Kop singing your name when you are a left-back and Robertson is such a top-class operator.”
“He is brilliant not only for what he can do on the pitch but also around the club. He is a vital part of the dressing room and you can never have too many people like that in the squad. He is 31, still fit as a fiddle, a club legend and now the vice-captain.”
While Kerkez’s introduction this season initially pushed Robertson down the pecking order, the Scotland captain has made it clear he is not ready to accept a reduced role quietly. Briefly linked with a move to Atletico Madrid over the summer, Robertson chose to remain at Anfield for the final year of his contract.
He is aware he would likely spend time on the bench Aldridge noted the broader importance of Robertson’s performance, emphasising how his experience, character, and leadership continue to benefit Liverpool
“The prospect of a new contract is on the agenda now he is inside the final 12 months of his deal and I am pretty sure if he keeps up the sort of performance he gave against Burnley then the club will think long and hard about that,” Aldridge said.
“He plays with the right spirit, the fans love him and he epitomises Liverpool as a club.”
Kerkez, for his part, remains a highly rated prospect. He shares a pathway with Robertson in that both players moved from smaller, non-elite clubs to Liverpool, learning and adapting under the spotlight of Anfield.
With Liverpool now turning their focus to the Merseyside derby, Robertson’s performance at Turf Moor was a timely reminder of why he has remained a Liverpool stalwart for nearly a decade.
