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With Andy Robertson set to sit out Liverpool’s quarter-final tie against Porto tonight due to suspension, the most likely replacement for the Scotsman is James Milner, who, as we all know, is versatile enough to fill in at left-back.
The 33-year-old midfielder spent the entirety of the 2016/17 campaign playing in that position, although when the Reds welcome Porto to Anfield, he should not be given the nod to line up on the left of defence.
Instead, a quite unpopular figure on Merseyside should come in: Alberto Moreno.
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The Spaniard has endured an error-ridden time at the club since arriving from Sevilla back in 2014 in a £12m deal. Moreno often lacks the concentration required at the top level, something which has upset the Liverpool fanbase who demand their players to be switched on and full of desire.
However, what the 26-year-old is good at is bombing forward and contributing in the final third – it is why Barcelona are reportedly interested in snapping him up as Jordi Alba’s understudy when Moreno’s contract expires this summer.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Moreno has never really been afforded a run in the team whilst Virgil van Dijk has been at the club. The Dutchman has completely transformed the Reds’ previously flimsy backline into the Premier League’s best this season, and appears to instil confidence and belief in his fellow defenders.
The impact of the full-backs has been a huge feature under Jurgen Klopp this season, and it would be detrimental to put the slower, less attack-minded Milner in as a replacement for Robertson, a player who is the polar opposite in terms of his willingness to get forward.
For example, when the former Leeds United man had to step in and replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back for two games towards the end of January, Liverpool looked toothless and recorded disappointing 1-1 draws against Leicester and West Ham – the athleticism and attacking play from the full-backs is pivotal in getting results.
Moreno may have a mistake in him, but his similarities to Robertson going forward will be vital if Liverpool are to gain a stranglehold of this tie early on – with Van Dijk assisting him in defence, it is worth playing the Spanish ace for what he contributes going forward.