Andy Robertson sends defiant message over Liverpool transfer speculation | OneFootball

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has hit back at his numerous critics and insisted that he is prepared to stay and fight for his place even if the Reds sign a new defender this summer.

Robertson has remained a regular for Liverpool despite struggling to replicate his best form of years gone by. The Scottish full-back boasts the second-most assists of any defender in Premier League history (59) but is yet to create a single top-flight goal this term.

This decline in attacking output - his tally of chances created has also plummeted - is partly a result of Arne Slot's arrival. The Dutch head coach has instructed Robertson to be more involved in Liverpool's buildup in the defensive third, yet there have also been several instances of uncharacteristic lapses in concentration.

As Robertson himself admitted in an interview with Sky Sports this week: "Sure, this season there have been a couple of moments when I haven't covered myself in glory." However, the left-back quickly added: "Some things have been taken way out of proportion.

"I think the performance levels have been there for me. I think I've had a relatively good season but one thing people will say about me is that I've been pretty consistent, so when you make a couple of mistakes, then people can talk.

Liverpool are expected to bolster at the back / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

"That's the world we live in, that's the Premier League. Everyone has eyes on you, everyone has an opinion. It is what it is but I'm always confident in my ability. I've shown that right throughout my career but especially during my time at Liverpool."

The questions of Robertson's form - and the underwhelming displays from his understudy Kostas Tsimikas - have prompted plenty of transfer speculation.

"I think we've been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world," Robertson huffed. "That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I've had as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride.

"Your time comes and I don't think it's my time yet but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I'll always back myself."

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez. The tireless 21-year-old would reportedly cost the Reds around £40m, making him the seventh-most expensive arrival in the club's history and comfortably the priciest full-back.

Robertson arrived for just £10m from relegated Hull City in 2017, going on to make more than 300 appearances and lift seven major trophies. In the player's defiant view, there will be plenty more games and cups to come while he sees out his contract which lasts until 2026.