Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has claimed that critics have made him a "scapegoat" this season, admitting it has been the first time he has experienced such scrutiny.
As a cycle naturally ends, with several key players over the age of 30 and into the tail-end of their respective careers, Liverpool are reaching a point where thinking about the next step is necessary.
Robertson turned 31 earlier this month and is past his peak of being among the best full-backs in the world. He struggled with a shoulder problem last season and has been rotated out of the Liverpool team every so often throughout 2024/25 amid questions over both his form and fitness.
Amid suggestions he could be replaced this summer - a fight Robertson is willing to embrace - the Scotland international insisted the scrutiny he has received has been excessive.
"I do believe that football's getting a bit like that where people try to find scapegoats and maybe it's been my turn, but if it's my turn then it's taken the spotlight off other players," he remarked to Liverpool's official magazine.
Robertson said he will "keep working hard" to prove doubters wrong and generally feels like he is "in a good moment, which maybe isn't getting any recognition".
While admitting there have been uncharacteristic errors, "sometimes when you make one mistake people jump on it and you just have to try to prove them wrong... people look for a bigger issue that's maybe not there."
The Scotland captain explained, "A lot has probably been spoken about me this season, which is maybe something haven't quite experienced in my time here. In one way it is pleasing because I've had seven years of kind of going under the radar, but probably this season there is a bit more spotlight on me and things like that. It's part and parcel of football."
Liverpool have been heavily linked with impressive Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who is valued at close to �40m and close with fellow Hungary international Dominik Szoboszlai.
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