Andy Robertson sends Liverpool statement that Arne Slot simply cannot ignore

Arne Slot handed Andy Robertson a rare start for Liverpool against Sunderland on Wednesday, and the left-back repaid his boss's faith with a strong display

Andy Robertson played well for Liverpool against Sunderland(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Andy Robertson underlined his importance to the Liverpool squad on Wednesday night as he helped the team to keep a clean sheet against Sunderland.

The Scotland captain came into the starting line-up as Milos Kerkez dropped down to the bench, and the Liverpool defense had a much more solid look to it with the 31-year-old in the side.

Robertson was the subject of interest from Tottenham during the January transfer window – and for a short period it looked as though he would move on – but he ultimately ended up staying on Merseyside.

Robertson is not the player he used to be, but he still has plenty to offer Liverpool in the final few months of the season.

Kerkez has unquestionably improved in recent weeks, but he is yet to find the consistency that Robertson became known for during his peak years at Anfield.

Robertson's display against Sunderland prompted former Black Cats striker Ally McCoist to express his surprise at his compatriot having been used so sparingly this season.

"Honestly, I can’t say enough, I’m so surprised he (Robertson) hasn’t played a lot more," McCoist said while on co-commentary duty for the game.

“I understand the manager buys players, brings players in, and you have to give them an opportunity, but for the life of me, that’s the one position I can’t understand why Robertson hasn’t started more.”

Robertson came close to leaving Liverpool for Tottenham during the winter transfer window(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

Joe Cole concurred, saying, “I agree with you. Every time I watch Robertson play, he does a job.”

Despite Robertson's bright performance, it is unlikely to be enough to wrestle the first-choice left-back spot back from Kerkez – although there is a decent chance that he will line up against Brighton in the fourth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

Slot confirmed prior to the win over Sunderland that his decision to drop Kerkez was purely due to him wanting to manage his minutes during a hectic first season at Liverpool for the Hungary international.

“I think I have two good left-backs," Slot said. "It’s just that we’ve played three games in seven days, which is different to eight days.

“Throughout this season, Milos hasn’t played many games like this because he came from Bournemouth, which doesn’t compete in European competitions.

“Sometimes, when I’ve played him, he’s struggled, and Robertson is a great substitute for him.”