Gary Lineker Questions Liverpool Creativity as Kerkez Replaces Robertson
Liverpool supporters have grown used to their full backs shaping matches. For years Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold turned the flanks into launchpads for attacks. Now the conversation has shifted. Milos Kerkez has stepped into the starting role at left back, and the debate about what Liverpool have gained and lost continues to build.
Former England striker Gary Lineker has added his voice to that discussion, suggesting Liverpool are still adjusting to life without the creative edge Robertson once delivered regularly.
Kerkez Era Begins at Liverpool
Milos Kerkez arrived from Bournemouth in the summer with a clear brief. Liverpool wanted fresh energy on the left side of defence and Arne Slot quickly placed faith in the Hungarian international.
Kerkez has largely secured the starting role, edging Robertson out of the regular line up. That was always part of Liverpool’s longer term planning. Robertson has been a cornerstone of the team for nearly a decade and succession eventually becomes unavoidable.
The FA Cup win on Friday night has reignited debate about whether Liverpool’s left flank still carries the same attacking threat. Kerkez brings pace and aggression, but creativity from full back positions once defined Liverpool’s identity.
Lineker believes that part of Liverpool’s attacking armoury remains missing.
Gary Lineker Highlights Creativity Gap
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Gary Lineker addressed Liverpool’s tactical shift and the challenge facing Kerkez.
“I mean, it’s easy in hindsight,” Lineker noted when discussing the £40 million move for the former Bournemouth man. “They bring in Kerkez and they spent a few bob on him. He comes in and he’s struggled a little bit, but you could see even Andy Robertson at the end, he did say, didn’t he? Well, it took him a bit of time to settle in.”
The point goes beyond individual performances. Liverpool’s previous system relied heavily on full back creativity.
“I think they’ve really missed those, I know he’s still there, Andy, but he’s not playing regularly. I think they’ve really missed him and Trent. That unbelievable attacking creativity that both of those players have had… that creativity is a big miss for them on both sides, I would say.”
Robertson and Alexander Arnold combined relentless running with elite delivery into the penalty area. That output became a signature feature of Liverpool’s best seasons.
Kerkez now faces the challenge of building his own identity while stepping into that legacy.
Robertson Role Changing at Anfield
Robertson remains vice captain and an important voice inside the dressing room. His professionalism during this transition has been widely noted.
The Scotland international has publicly backed Kerkez and urged supporters to be patient with the younger player. Yet football moves quickly. Liverpool are already monitoring options ahead of the summer window, which raises questions about Robertson’s long term role.
A third choice position would feel unlikely for a player who has given so much to the club.
Liverpool’s evolution continues. Kerkez represents the future on the left side, even if the shadow of Robertson’s creative legacy still hangs over Anfield.
