Milner: Liverpool Left Back Robertson “Has Been Brilliant”

James Milner took a brief pause from tea drinking and shirt ironing to praise young Andy Robertson.

One of the most outstanding parts of a rather terrific season has been the sudden emergence of competent play at left back. Before going down to injury, Andy Robertson had been playing well. In his stead, Alberto Moreno took up the mantle and delivered with a stretch of performances many would have called his best in Red. Unfortunately, Moreno went down with injury and Robertson once more took the role and on the strength of his performances, has been impossible to unseat. The depth at a position considered a weakness for years has been a welcome development.

For Robertson’s part, his game appears to be very mature for one so young. He is clearly industrious, which is a necessary trait not only for anyone manning this position in the modern game, but for anyone seeking a place in a Jurgen Klopp side. But he has also shown a very composed game, making smart decisions, and showing a clear understanding of when to press and when to stand back. And as on the occasion of his spectacular assist for Mo Salah’s second goal during the thrashing of Watford 9 days ago, he’s shown a flair for attack.

Robertson’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. James Milner, a season removed from being the first choice left back himself, had nothing but praise for the young Scot:

“Robbo has been brilliant. I’ll help where I can but he’s a good player - he has shown that going forward and defensively as well. Sometimes you just see him going forward but he does some great work defensively as well.

“I didn’t see loads and loads of him before. I knew of him, but you don’t really appreciate a player until you see him up close.

“With the quality he has going forward - the runs he makes and his quality into the box as well - he is a big player for us. The way we play, full-back is an important position.”

Big words from a man that knows the difficulties of that given position. Given Robertson’s work ethic and the strong mental fitness to have to cede the position after an injury, only to be prepared to take it back, there’s not reason not to expect more in the years to come. Which will suit Reds fans used to opining the lack of quality and depth at this position just fine.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com