'Liverpool has learned its lesson from my time at the club and avoided summer transfer worry'

The ability to future proof and plan for the upcoming seasons has driven the club's recruitment model for many years. That is clear at left-back, with Kerkez smoothly replacing Robertson in the team

Fabio Aurelio said he feels Liverpool has handled the transition at left-back well

Fabio Aurelio is pleased to see Liverpool expertly handling the smooth transition at left-back, his former position, as Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez continue to share defensive responsibilities.

After a tough start to his Liverpool career, Kerkez is finally producing consistent performances and justifying Arne Slot’s decision to install him as first-choice left-back. The Liverpool head coach has also been able to call upon Robertson when required.

The Scotland captain’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and with no extension in sight, his nine-year spell at the club could be drawing to a close. Yet there is no panic about who will replace him. That change was made last summer.

Aurelio did not experience the same level of strategic coordination during his time at Liverpool. He spent six years at the club from 2006, when left-back was a problem position.

He was one of four players signed in that role within six years, as Andrea Dossena, Paul Konchesky, and Jose Enrique arrived, while John Arne Riise and Stephen Warnock were also on the scene.

Admittedly, injuries hampered Aurielo’s time in the Premier League, but he, nor the club’s other full-backs, fully established themselves as first choice. But he is pleased to see that the position is now more stable, with two reliable left-backs available.

“Obviously, I think you need [options] to be playing in Liverpool and the high demand they ask from,” the Brazilian said after Saturday’s Liverpool legends’ game.

Milos Kerkez has overtaken Andy Robertson as Liverpool's first-choice left-back this season(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“Andy's been doing that for a few years and obviously the time is passing on and every year you need two to improve the squad, to improve that association between him and Kerkez. I think both will learn and Kerkez, especially will improve working with Robertson.

“I think it's a good addition for the team and Kerkez will improve with Robertson with him.”

On the summer arrival from Bournemouth, Aurelio added: “In the last few games I saw him more confident, more adapt to the team. I think Kerkez will also show even more because Liverpool brought him in and it's because they believe in his skills and what he is capable of delivering. So I'm confident he will do that as well.”

Aurelio, who played 133 times for the Reds during his career, was back at left-back on Saturday as a team of ex-players faced Dortmund at Anfield. Liverpool legends drew 2-2, with Thiago and Jay Spearing on target for the side managed by Sir Kenny Dalglish and Jurgen Klopp.

Aurelio spent six years at Liverpool(Image: Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)

“It's really nice because it's been 14 years that I left Liverpool and you see the same faces,” Aurelio told reporters after the charity game.

“A lot of them we used to play together at my time. But I think also it's good to see the other generation as well, that you got to meet spending time [with] and knowing them, because they all did their part for Liverpool. It's really an honor to be involved and to be with those guys.

“It's always such a reward, to be honest, because obviously we come here because of the work LFC Foundation does and how all the community can help and [player charity] Forever Reds.

“So that is the main thing and obviously because of that we are rewarded for having the opportunity to step out again at the pitch with a full crowd at Anfield.”

The LFC Foundation, Liverpool’s official charity, aims to tackle social inequality on Merseyside and abroad. It focuses on improving health and championing learning. The funds from this year’s game will primarily be used to develop employability programs.