Joe Cole raises huge Milos Kerkez question with Andy Robertson transfer verdict

Liverpool has toyed with the idea of selling Andy Robertson this month; Joe Cole has expressed surprise, turning the microscope onto summer signing Milos Kerkez

Noise over Andy Robertson's future at Liverpool has brought the form of Milos Kerkez into sharper relief(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Despite its struggles on the pitch, Liverpool has not had an especially active transfer window.

Yet there has been one big story, with credible reports emerging last week about a potential switch to Tottenham for Andy Robertson. It now seems as though Robertson is set to stay at the club, with the caveat that things could yet change before the window closes on February 2. But the mini-saga has certainly provided some food for thought at Anfield, much of which focuses on Milos Kerkez.

Signed in the summer, Kerkez has had the backing of Arne Slot from the start. There has been a definite bedding-in period, but the manager has mostly resisted the temptation to take him out of the firing line and turn to the vastly experienced Robertson.

Whether that's admirable commitment to building the next great Liverpool side, or a self-inflicted hindrance in a season that can ill-afford any unnecessary handicaps, rather depends on your perspective. Regardless, the prospect of deeming Robertson entirely surplus to requirements mid-season has seemed like madness from the moment the idea was floated.

Kerkez could have shown himself to be the next Roberto Carlos in his first six months at Anfield, and it would still have been an unjustifiable gamble to cash in on Robertson. Liverpool would be netting pennies, in the grand scheme of things, and would be leaving itself without any recognized cover through to the end of the campaign (although in fairness, it seems any move was always likely to be contingent on recalling Kostas Tsimikas).

And as it is, Kerkez's Liverpool career to date has come with as many questions as answers. There has been an undeniable upturn in his performances of late, but the sudden emergence of Robertson transfer rumors has brought things into sharper relief.

There is still a sense that Robertson is the safer pair of hands at left-back for Liverpool(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Joe Cole has put his finger on the heart of the matter. Discussing the potential move, he asked a big question about Kerkez with a potentially uncomfortable answer.

"From Liverpool’s perspective I must say I am a bit surprised because Kerkez, although he is getting better, hasn’t fully settled in," Cole exclusively told Paddy Power. "I’m still questioning if they had a cup final tomorrow whether the manager wouldn’t still be thinking that Robertson is the one to play in a big game like this."

Based on his selections so far this season, it seems likely that Slot would indeed trust Kerkez over Robertson in such a fixture. But the manager would probably be in the minority in making that call.

When Robertson has played this season, he has looked like a slightly safer pair of hands than his junior colleague. His best years are surely behind him, but he has built up years of understanding with Virgil van Dijk, whose own issues have not been helped by a sometimes-nervy Kerkez.

Joe Cole makes a good point when it comes to Kerkez and Robertson(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Going forward, too, Robertson has looked the more likely of the pair to make something happen. That element of the game looked like almost a given based on Kerkez's form at Bournemouth, but he has struggled to click in an attacking sense at his new club.

Of course, he is still very young, and it shouldn't be forgotten that he is being measured against an exceptionally high bar. As Cole points out, Robertson is a bona fide Liverpool great. "It would be a great move for Tottenham but also for Andy Robertson," said Cole. "He’s a Liverpool legend whenever he leaves."

There should be no doubt about that. When we talk about Robertson, we are talking about one of the all-time great Premier League left-backs.

It was never going to be easy for Kerkez to wow fans who have watched Robertson move into the top 30 for all-time Premier League assists over recent seasons. In terms of left-backs, the Scot stands alone, four clear of Leighton Baines and 24 ahead of Ashley Cole.

So it is not a damning indictment for Cole to imply that Liverpool fans would still take Robertson over Kerkez in a cup final. It doesn't mean the Hungarian is doomed to fail, but it does underline the work he still needs to do in order to truly convince the Anfield faithful that he is the future at left-back.