After a slow start, Andrew Robertson is settling into a prominent role in Liverpool’s starting lineup, with Jurgen Klopp’s patience finally paying off. The left-back was a star performer once again as Klopp’s side beat Manchester City 4-3 in a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Scottish international was signed from Hull City in the summer and has been given his chance in the first-team following Alberto Moreno’s ankle injury.
Robertson looks like he’s making the left-back slot his own after some eye-catching performances under Klopp’s guidance. After the youngster’s fantastic showing against runaway league leaders City, his performance did not go unnoticed by a former Liverpool FC star.
John Arne Riise, one of Liverpool’s greatest ever left-backs, gave his opinion on Robertson in the aftermath of the exciting 4-3 win.
Robertson has been brilliant today!!! Energy!!! Love it!! @andrewrobertso5 what a performance
— John Arne Riise (@JARiiseOfficial) January 14, 2018
The 23-year-old’s aggression and positional play helped him turn in one of his best performances for the Reds, and the defender won more tackles than any other player on the field. He also completely nullified any threat posed by the in-form Raheem Sterling, with the former Liverpool star struggling on his return to Anfield.
One of the highlights of Klopp’s high-pressing and intensity came with a quarter of an hour left to play, when Robertson harried Bernardo Silva around the halfway line, forcing the Portuguese midfielder to play the ball back to Kyle Walker, who in turn passed it to his fellow defender John Stones, who gave it to goalkeeper Ederson and who finally gave it to Nicolas Otamendi, all the while followed by the relentless Scotsman.
Though it eventually resulted in a foul on Otamendi and a free-kick to the visitors, Robertson’s pursuit spread panic throughout the City ranks and forced the ball back by 50 yards. Liverpool fans have quickly warmed to Robertson, who appears to be a far more reliable left-back than his injured teammate Moreno.
He was delighted to hear the Kop singing his name on Sunday afternoon.
“Just after we scored the fourth, I’d won a couple of tackles and to hear them sing your name it’s always nice, especially [from] the Kop, the noise they make,” Robertson said.
“It started getting going and it gives you goosebumps. I can’t thank them enough for the support they’ve shown me from day one. When people come to Anfield, you know what the atmosphere’s going to be like and I thought today was the best I’ve played in.”
Liverpool’s victory over City was a real statement; the previously unbeaten league leaders fell at the hands of Klopp’s blitzkrieg.
