Arne Slot Should Bench Liverpool Star Who’s Becoming Problematic

As Liverpool prepares to face Leicester City on Boxing Day, manager Arne Slot may need to make some tough lineup decisions. One player who should potentially be benched is longtime left-back Andy Robertson.

While Robertson has been a key figure for Liverpool since joining in 2017, his form has declined this season. The Scottish defender has made some costly errors, including conceding penalties against Real Madrid and Southampton. His athleticism also appears to have regressed compared to previous campaigns.

In contrast, backup left-back Kostas Tsimikas has impressed when given opportunities this season. The Greek international has outperformed Robertson in several defensive metrics:

• Tackles + interceptions per 90: Tsimikas 2.5 vs Robertson 1.9
• Duel success rate: Tsimikas 67% vs Robertson 52%
• Pass completion: Tsimikas 91% vs Robertson 89%

While Robertson still excels in progressive passing and chance creation, Tsimikas provides more defensive stability. With Liverpool conceding 8 goals in their last 3 Premier League matches, shoring up the backline should be a priority.

Rotation will be key during the busy festive period, with Liverpool facing West Ham just three days after Leicester. Giving Robertson a rest and starting Tsimikas could help keep the squad fresh while potentially improving defensive solidity.

As Liverpool pushes for trophies on multiple fronts, Slot will need to make full use of his squad depth. Benching a longtime star like Robertson may be a difficult decision, but it could pay dividends as the season progresses. Tsimikas has shown he’s more than capable of filling the left-back role effectively when called upon.