Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Manchester City on Sunday not only ended the Premier League leaders’ unbeaten start to the season, but a moment in the second half provided comic relief to the Anfield crowd and those watching from home. Andrew Robertson took Jurgen Klopp’s Gegenpressing to the next level as he burst forward from left-back to pressure the hosts. Rather than remain calm and composed, the summer arrival just kept going until he was on the opposite side of the pitch.
It was hardly the smartest move by the defender as Liverpool were looking to secure a crucial three points and deny City the chance to open up an 18-point lead at the top of the table prior to Manchester United’s meeting with Stoke on Monday night. However, it further endeared Robertson to the Liverpool faithful, who have been won around by the Scot’s performances after a regular run of game time.
The 23-year-old found playing time hard to come by following his arrival as Klopp looked to ease Robertson into his new surroundings. Coupled with the resurgent form of Alberto Moreno, the left-back was forced to watch from afar as the Reds continued to impress. The Spaniard’s injury back in December, though, presented Robertson with the opportunity to stake a claim for a regular starting spot and he hasn’t looked back.
Liverpool have lost only two Premier League games this season, but both of those came in the 13 top-flight matches Robertson did not start. What’s more, Klopp’s side are scoring more (2.6) and conceding fewer goals per game (1) with the defender in the starting XI than without him (2.15 and 1.38, respectively) in England’s top tier this term. As the Merseyside outfit go in search of silverware this term, Robertson’s attacking influence and defensive resilience has been vital as Liverpool continue to go from strength to strength.
Robertson isn’t the type of full-back to win the plaudits through a series of match winning displays, but rather he quietly goes about his business and Liverpool are benefitting. His capture rectifies a long-standing issue for the Reds, who relied on midfielder-by-trade James Milner at left-back last season, such was the lack of trust in Moreno by Klopp. What Robertson does boast, though, is know how to attack as and when rather than press forward on whim, much like Moreno before having the tactical ingenuity drilled into him by Klopp.
Indeed, Robertson has attempted just four dribbles in his 10 Premier League starts this season, yet is averaging 1.1 key passes per game this term. Rather than strive to press forward on his own accord, the summer arrival instead waits for his chance to strike and when the moment comes, is in position to play a killer pass for a teammate without the need to beat an opponent.
Defensively, too, he’s a very adept individual as he relies more on his reading of the game to deny the opposition. 1.5 interceptions per game ranks among the top five Liverpool players in the Premier League this season, which is an ideal trait for Klopp’s side, who look to instigate attacks from the back and break forward at lightning speed. That isn’t to say Robertson shirks the physical side to his defensive game – a return of 1.7 tackles per league game also ranks highly – but it’s better for a defender to remain on his feet in order to lessen the chance of conceding possession by going to ground.
Considering he cost Liverpool just £8m, Robertson’s signing is looking more the bargain buy with each appearance as he continues to leave his mark on the Liverpool first team and consolidate a regular starting spot. For a Liverpool side that required improvements to the defence and a solid option at the back, Klopp has done excellently to recruit Robertson and while he has been forced to bide his time and wait for a starting spot, he’s grabbed the opportunity to usurp Moreno as first choice left-back with both hands and the Reds are all the better for it.
