Liverpool’s full-backs have long been considered among their greatest strengths. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson form one of the most productive partnerships in modern football.
However, recent developments suggest changes on the horizon, with Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez coming up as successors. The question remains whether these younger talents can maintain Liverpool’s tactical identity while addressing the evolving demands of Arne Slot’s system.
Robertson’s Defensive Vulnerabilities Exposed
The 2024-25 season revealed backline frailties in Andy Robertson’s game that became increasingly problematic as the campaign progressed. His positioning and decision-making in defensive transitions declined. For example, in high-profile fixtures against Arsenal and Fulham, his mistakes directly contributed to goal-scoring opportunities for opponents.
Robertson’s tendency to overcommit in pressing situations repeatedly left Liverpool exposed on the left flank. His recovery pace, once a reliable asset, now appears diminished, creating gaps that rival wingers exploited throughout the run-in.
COMPARED: Andy Robertson vs. Milos Kerkez per 90 in the Premier League in 2024/25. 🕶️ pic.twitter.com/4I9TyLv406
— Squawka (@Squawka) June 23, 2025
The Scottish international’s aerial duelling also became a problem, with his placement often compromised when defending crosses and set pieces.
The most concerning aspect was Robertson’s inability to adapt his approach to off-ball work when Liverpool faced counter-attacking scenarios. His aggressive attacks, while beneficial in possession-heavy periods, became detrimental in quick transitions. This defensive regression made him arguably one of Liverpool’s most vulnerable links during their title challenge, undermining the team’s overall structure.
Milos Kerkez. Defensive Solidity with Modern Attributes
Milos Kerkez presents a markedly different defender profile that addresses many of Robertson’s recent shortcomings. The Hungarian’s spatial awareness shows superior tactical awareness, particularly in managing the space behind him when Liverpool commit players forward.
Kerkez’s physical attributes provide significant advantages in defensive duels. His pace allows for a better recovery role, while his strength in one-on-ones offers greater security against direct attacks.
Robertson’s Experience vs Kerkez’s Dynamism
Robertson remains effective in attacking phases, his crossing accuracy and creative passing continuing to provide value. His understanding of Liverpool’s offensive patterns and chemistry with left-sided forwards represents important skills that shouldn’t be underestimated. The Scot’s ability to find space in advanced positions and deliver quality service remains among his strongest attributes.
We might have found our Robertson regen pic.twitter.com/y6GlqXDbfF
— DC (@TheLiverpoolace) June 24, 2025
However, Kerkez also offers creative structure that could enhance Liverpool’s forward play. His crossing technique from advanced placements shows promising development. His ability to cut inside creates additional attacking angles that Robertson’s more traditional wide approach doesn’t always provide.
Kerkez’s youth gives him natural advantages in acceleration and endurance across 90 minutes. His overlapping runs show explosiveness, potentially devising more dynamic situations.
The Trent-Frimpong Tactical Dichotomy
The comparison between Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jeremie Frimpong reveals fundamentally different playing philosophies that could reshape Liverpool’s tactical approach.
Alexander-Arnold functions as a deep-lying playmaker, his passing range and vision allowing him to dictate tempo from the defence. He can switch play, find forward passes through backlines, and create chances from deep positions. These have become integral to Liverpool’s build-up play.
Inseparable. Make sure they keep laughing together, @LFC! 🥹#ThanksFlo @JeremieFrimpong pic.twitter.com/9s1dC66mFN
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) June 20, 2025
Frimpong plays more like a winger than a modern full-back, relying on pace, direct dribbling, and width from the touchline. His attacking threat stems from explosive off-ball runs behind the back line, rather than from playmaking or combination play. He stays closer to the touchline, providing natural room that stretches opposition defences horizontally rather than Alexander-Arnold’s tendency to drift inward.
This difference in tactics extends to their backline integrity. Alexander-Arnold’s off-ball work in Liverpool often involved intelligent placement and interceptions. Frimpong’s approach emphasizes direct duelling and recovery pace.
Slot’s Tactical Integration Challenges
Arne Slot faces tricky decisions regarding how these potential new signings would fit into his system. The Dutch coach’s strategy focuses on positional flexibility and intelligent movement, qualities that both Kerkez and Frimpong have but express differently than their predecessors.
The Arne Slot pull is nothing like we’ve ever seen before. 🇳🇱
You have Wirtz rejecting Pep Guardiola and Bayern Munich – you have Kerkez eager to play for Liverpool and now Newcastle are expecting a bid from Liverpool for Isak.
Arne Slot is the best manager in the world. 🧠 pic.twitter.com/odkgWugXds
— The Anfield Buzz (@TheAnfieldBuzz) June 24, 2025
Kerkez’s reliability in defence could allow Liverpool to press more confidently on the pitch, knowing that the left-back position will not be easily vulnerable. His forward pace could complement Slot’s preference for quick transitions, creating opportunities for more direct attacking play when appropriate.
Frimpong’s integration presents more complex challenges. His natural width could devise different offensive patterns, but his reduced creative passing might require tactical adjustments in build-up play. Slot may need to shift playmaking duties or tweak his attacking shape to integrate the youngster’s style.
Future Tactical Scenarios
Kerkez’s defensive play might prove valuable against stronger teams, while his pace could be devastating against high backlines.
Frimpong’s directness could offer solutions against compact defensive blocks, his runs behind providing different forward sequences. His pace and positioning could make Liverpool more dangerous in transition situations, while also offering alternative attacking patterns.
Slot’s strategy will be crucial in maximizing their strengths while keeping Liverpool’s essential playing identity. Both Kerkez and Frimpong offer qualities that fix current weaknesses and open up new tactical options for Liverpool.
