Paul Scholes has defended Andy Robertson amid questions over his form at Liverpool - although the former Manchester United star has warned the defender he will be targeted more by opponents.

Robertson has come under pressure after struggling for form so far this season. The Scotland international endured a nightmare afternoon against Fulham on Saturday after he was sent off less than 20 minutes into the game, having already seen Andreas Pereira’s opener deflect in off him.

Having been a near ever-present under previous manager Jurgen Klopp, Robertson’s place in the side has come under more threat from Kostas Tsimikas under Arne Slot. Despite vowing to prove his doubters wrong last month, Liverpool is increasingly being linked with new left-backs to replace the 30-year-old.

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Speaking on The Overlap’s Christmas Special Fan Debate (brought to you by Sky Bet), though, Scholes believes Robertson’s performances may have been blown out of proportion.

“I don’t actually think he’s been that bad,” Scholes said. “I know he’s made a couple of mistakes, but I don’t think he’s actually been that bad.

“He’s the type of player, and I know this because we were talking about it earlier in the season because he was in and out of the XI, but he’s the type of player who needs to be playing every week.”

Scholes though did offer a warning to Robertson and Liverpool that the Scot will find himself targeted by his opponents more now as a result of his recent mistakes.

“That’s what will happen, teams will start targeting it,” Scholes added. “Even if it’s not your weakness but just because what’s happening to him now and he’s making mistakes, people are just going to target that area all the time.”

Liverpool.com says: It’s a tricky time for Robertson right now, and his form so far this season does raise concerns that he might be going down the same route as Fabinho a couple of years ago. Hopefully that’s not the case, and his performance against Girona suggests it’s not.

But, considering he’s in his 30s now and his contract expires in 2026, Liverpool does need to be thinking about who Robertson’s long-term heir is going to be. A few names have been suggested, and the likes of Milos Kerkez at Bournemouth and Antonee Robinson at Fulham look appealing, although we’ll likely have to wait until the summer for any potential moves to be made.