Jamie Carragher believes it is time for Liverpool to move on from ‘absolute legend’ Andy Robertson.
The Reds, who have been the Premier League’s shining light when it comes to defending this season, looked surprisingly porous at the back during the 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
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Lisandro Martinez’s goal for the Red Devils meant United scored their first goal at Anfield since Wayne Rooney fired past Simon Mignolet in January 2016.
What will have been most concerning for Liverpool boss Arne Slot was the fact both of United’s goals came down their right flank.
Incumbent right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold had a game to forget against Liverpool’s historic rivals, as his misplaced pass led to Martinez’s opener.
Alexander-Arnold, who has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a move to Real Madrid, was then caught out of position for United’s second.
Ibrahima Konate, a centre-back, had gone out to close down Alejandro Garnacho but failed, as the Argentinian played in a cross that was slotted home by Amad Diallo.
Andy Robertson, Liverpool’s left-back, wasn’t blameless for Diallo’s goal as the United winger’s shot squeezed through his legs and past Alisson.
Robertson was also caught out at the death as he lost track of Joshua Zirkzee, with the United star providing what could and perhaps should have been the assist for the winner, only for Harry Maguire to blaze over.
With both of Liverpool’s full-backs having games to forget, Carragher believed Reds boss Arne Slot must look at strengthening that area of the field in January.
That could mean the end for Robertson who, according to Carragher, is ‘just hanging on in every game.’
But it would be a small price to pay given Carragher believes a change could help push Liverpool over the line in the title race.
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“Liverpool need to sign a full-back,” Carragher said on Sky Sports.
“I think they need a left-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold was really poor. He will be a lot better than that and Conor Bradley is fantastic.
“I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game.
“I don’t think Kostas Tsimikas is quite of the standard to come in and replace him.
“I think if Liverpool could get a left-back in January, I think that’d put Liverpool in a really strong position to win the league.”
Carragher’s brutal analysis of Robertson echoed what Red Devils great Roy Keane said before the match.
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“The one player I would look at Liverpool and I have question marks over in the last year or two is Robertson,” Keane said.
“I do think if you’ve got a chance to run at him, you make the most of that.”
Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City in the summer of 2017 for approximately £8million and has proved to be one the Reds’ shrewdest acquisitions in modern history.
The Scot has been a reliable member for Liverpool over his eight seasons at the club to date, going on to make over 320 appearances in all competitions.
However, Robertson’s form this season has tailed off compared to his usual lofty standards and was even benched by Slot for a handful of matches.
In November, Robertson confirmed he had held talks with Slot regarding his performances this season and would remain the consummate professional no matter what the Dutchman decided.
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“The manager is very open and honest,” Robertson said.
“We have spoken quite a few times and it has always been good conversations. There is mutual respect between both of us even if we don’t agree with the team lineups.
“It happened with Jurgen [Klopp], it has happened with Scotland, and I always have respect for the manager. He knows my experience in the changing room and how I try to help everyone else. And that won’t stop.
“But I do like playing. I like starting and being on the pitch but when I’m not I try to be as professional as I can and just try to do my talking on the training pitch and wait for my chance.
“I knew that the next time I got a chance I would take it and that’s what I tried to do.”
Robertson will expect to reprise his starting role when Liverpool travel to Tottenham on Wednesday for the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.
