This Jurgen Klopp favourite can become Liverpool’s Roberto Carlos

Let us take a deep dive into understanding Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson, currently the best left back in world football.

So, first things first, right at the start are we all in agreement, that Andrew Robertson is currently the best left-back in the world? Good, now that it’s cleared up, here is Robertson’s journey with Liverpool.

In the Premier League a few seasons back, Robertson playing for Hull City had tormented Sadio Mane. His high intensity pressing almost rendered Mane useless. That is when Klopp set his sights on Robertson. Klopp was assured with the confidence that Robertson can play at the highest level. He replaced Alberto Moreno who already had one leg out. In all seriousness, I didn’t expect to see Robertson reach the level he has.

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When he first joined, he did not get a lot of game time. Klopp took his time to integrate him into the playing XI. He did not make a lot of pre-season appearances in 2017-18. Many visualized him as just another option. Either way, Klopp was not fazed by the media chatter. He took his time and unleashed Robertson against Watford. And as they say, the rest is history.

Playing Ability and Style

With training and hard work, Robertson has turned into a “pressing machine”. Some of his key strengths are his passing range, his ability to deliver inch perfect passes from the flank and his ability to hold the ball in pressure situations. However, he does need to work on his aerial ability and tackling. Both areas of weakness have seen him lose the ball.

When Robertson has the ball at his feet, he reminds everyone why he is the best left-back in the Premier League. He has the ability to mend his game based on the player playing in the attacking role on the left (right?) wing. He has successfully combined with the likes of Mane, Firmino and Diogo. He has the ability to makes quick passes and intelligent runs, both, on and off the ball. His ability to cut-in and drag the defender with him helps his fellow strikers.

Former England defender, Phil Neville and Kevin Kilbane have mentioned that owing to his pace, crossing ability and energy, Robertson is one of the best left-backs of the modern era.

The hue and cry when we signed him

So, when Klopp signed him on July 21, 2017, there was a hullabaloo with fans shocked Liverpool were making a signing from a relegated Hull City. Liverpool were having a nightmare in that position and there was not a lot of faith that he would be able to plug the gap. But given that hindsight is 20-20 vision, an £8m Robertson looks like an absolute steal. At just 26 he has plenty of room for development and could end up as Liverpool’s best left-back ever.

Coming of Age at Liverpool Football Club
Slow and steady, Robertson’s quality improved and he became an integral part of the Liverpool squad. He has won a number of honors with the club and personally.

Robertson made a statement during his debut game on 19th August, in a 1–0 win over Crystal Palace. In that game he won the Man of the Match award. As expected, Robertson started the 2017–18 season as understudy to Alberto Moreno. However, the Spaniard got injured and hence ‘Robbo’ (as he is fondly known) got a run of games. He stepped up and ended up pushing Moreno out of the squad.

The game that actually put him on the map was the 4-3 win against Manchester City. His performance in that game, against eventual league winners, earned loads of plaudits and praise from the Anfield faithful. Everyone fondly remembers his 75 yard pressing run that almost ended up with us scoring if not for a soft foul in favour of City.

He ended up scoring his first Liverpool goal on the final match day of the 2017–18 season in a 4-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.

With his constant meandering (wrong word it means slow and aimless) runs down the left wing, Robertson has established himself as a fan favorite amongst the Liverpool fan base. He is now considered one of the world’s best left-backs in world football.

Robertson became a regular and started for Liverpool during the 2018–19 season when they ended the league as runners-up. He was eventually awarded a contract extension which is due to run until the year 2024. His recent performances and team trophies saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year alongside other Liverpool teammates, Mané, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.

One of his best moments was his second goal that he scored for Liverpool in a Premier League game against Aston Villa. He equalized for Liverpool in the 87th minute and eventually Liverpool won that game 2–1 in injury time.

Robertson – The Assist King

Robertson and Trent Alexander Arnold are having a competition amongst themselves when it comes to notching up assists. Robertson has become an integral part of the attacking prowess of Liverpool. He has notched up over 20 assists for Liverpool so far in his career in all competitions.

Robertson’s Statistics (2020-21 – This season)
Having played six games this season, Robertson has picked up from where he left off. He is arguably the most consistent player for Liverpool. He has had 2 shots at goal, scoring 1 with a 0.92 xG. Owing to Liverpool’s high possession, he averages about 75 passes per game with two assists. Based on Infogoal, so far, he has a season rating of 7.07.

Andrew Robertson Honours

Honours at Liverpool Football Club

• UEFA Champions League: 2018–19
• UEFA Super Cup: 2019
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2019
• Premier League: 2019-2020

Individual Honours

PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year: 2013–14

PFA Scotland Team of the Year: 2013–14

SPFL Player of the Month: November 2013

SPFL Young Player of the Month: September 2013

PFA Team of the Year: 2018–19 Premier League

UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2018–19

UEFA Team of the Year: 2019

National Team Captaincy: 2019

Can Robertson become Liverpool’s best ever left-back?