Andy Robertson left Hull City to join Liverpool during the summer transfer window. The Scotsman has been at the club for almost three months, but where on earth is he?
Fans are growing more and more frustrated as each game announces yet another team sheet without the 23-year-old new signing.
The Scottish left-back was poached by Jurgen Klopp to help solve some of the Red’s defensive issues. But so far he has only featured in one Premier League fixture.
Robertson’s impact during the home clash against Crystal Palace was everything fans had wanted. He did a stellar job along the left flank and provided some dangerous crosses into the box which the forwards unfortunately couldn’t tuck away.
Social media gave him very positive reviews and some even hailed him as potential signing of the summer.
So what’s the deal?
Klopp announced in August that Robertson just needed a little more time to adapt to Liverpool’s style of play. But aside from that he was ‘nearly ready’. He also missed the Arsenal fixture due to the birth of his first child – congratulations, Andy!
But what about these last couple of months? Liverpool have plummeted back into their painful defensive sinkhole. Alberto Moreno remains the first choice left-back whilst James Milner warms the bench.
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During his absence for Liverpool, Robertson has
featured in Scotland’s starting XI during the World Cup qualifying rounds.
The shifts he has been putting in for his country are what we need at the club right now. His performance against Lithuania saw a top corner wonder striker and man-of-the-match honour awarded to him.
Impressive stats and showmanship, undeniably. So where is he? Surely he has had enough time to settle in at Liverpool by now?
Klopp himself has stated that he could be a great asset for the club. And yet he can’t even make it to the bench?
Fighting talk
Robertson has since been interviewed and has declared that he is more than willing to fight for his place on the team.
Hang on a minute…
The Scot was bought just three months ago. Klopp saw the potential in him to turn the woeful defence on its head. As a fresh signing, the former Tiger should not be being made to fight for his chance to play.
It’s a miracle Moreno is still at the club, never mind starting Premier League games. But nonetheless, the Spaniard should be the one panicking and preparing to fight for his chance.
After several abysmal seasons, his time is more than up at Anfield. But like Brendan Rodgers and Joe Allen, Klopp just can’t seem to let go of the Number 18.
Klopp carnage
The German manager seems to be trying out some new radical tactics at Liverpool. I like to call it ‘Let’s see how much stress I can cause the fans before I tell them it’s all a joke’.
His faith in our forward fleet was too optimistic. Despite opposition teams quaking at the sight of Coutinho, Salah, Mané and Firmino, it’s not enough. Klopp’s idea of scoring goal after goal to win matches is far from a solid strategy.
Without a prolific striker, the Reds’ attacking force can become limp and predictable. And with an unstable back four, it puts Liverpool in extremely dangerous waters.
I hope the gaffer is busy cooking up some terrific master plan. I hope the wait will be worth it once January comes and Klopp has bagged a top central defender to play alongside Robertson. But I’ve found that I’m saying ‘I hope’ far too much lately.
The majority of the fanbase are still behind Klopp, but with others cursing him out and many more losing their patience, how long will the support last? We need a big announcement from the manager and a big win from the team to get morale soaring again.
Next: All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
After the fight for a draw against Manchester Utd, Liverpool could be doing worse. But let’s hope we see a bit more on Tuesday when the Reds face Maribor in the Champions League.