Liverpool gear up for the Champions League knockout stages with a last-16 tie against Galatasaray. The first leg takes place in Turkey on Tuesday night.
Strong European Form Amid Domestic Struggles
Despite slipping to sixth in the Premier League table during their title defense, Liverpool excelled in the Champions League group phase, securing third place. The Reds triumphed in six of their eight group matches, earning a favorable matchup against Galatasaray.
Galatasaray lead the Turkish Super Lig by four points but finished 20th in the Champions League group, losing half their games. Liverpool remain heavy favorites to progress.
Recent Performances Highlight Selection Dilemma
Liverpool suffered a surprise Premier League loss to bottom-of-the-table Wolves last week but bounced back with an FA Cup victory over the same opponents. Andy Robertson shone in that win, scoring the opener and assisting Mohamed Salah’s goal just two minutes later.
Since signing Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth for £40m last summer, the young full-back has started most games ahead of Robertson. However, the Scottish veteran boasts over 350 appearances for Liverpool, contributing to two Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph, and three domestic cups.
Pundits Push for Robertson in Big Games
On The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker sought a full-back’s view on one of the Premier League’s top defenders: ‘Do you think Andy Robertson should have played more this season? It’s easy to say in hindsight because they spent a few bob on Milos Kerkez and he struggled a bit. But I think they’ve really missed Robertson.’
Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards responded: ‘The feeling amongst Liverpool fans was that they needed to get someone in. They did the right thing signing Kerkez. It’s the output that Robertson does, he’s up and down, but he’s in his 30s now and there were some games last season that it became a problem.’
Richards added: ‘I would have played Robertson more, especially in the bigger games, because of his experience. Kerkez was outstanding at Bournemouth but was quite reckless at the start. He’s grown into it, but in big games, I’d still play Robertson. If I needed more energy, I’d go with Kerkez.’
Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer emphasized: ‘Slot has a big decision to make when they play Galatasaray away. After Robertson’s performance, he faces a big call.’
Richards agreed: ‘You’ve got to play Andy Robertson for his knowhow and experience in such a big game. I would definitely play him, without a doubt.’ Shearer concurred: ‘That’s what I would do.’
Head-to-Head History and Next Challenges
The clubs met in the group stage, where Galatasaray won 1-0 via Victor Osimhen’s first-half penalty. Across five total encounters, Galatasaray claim two victories to Liverpool’s one.
The last-16 winner advances to face either Champions League holders PSG or Club World Cup champions Chelsea in the quarter-finals. Liverpool also target a top-four Premier League boost against relegation-threatened Tottenham between the legs.
