Former defender backs Fulham star to succeed at Liverpool the way he couldn’t

Former Liverpool left-back Paul Konchesky backs Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson to succeed Andy Robertson at Liverpool for the upcoming season. Robertson has struggled with inconsistency this season, with his critics arguing burnout as a factor for the 30-year-old Scottish fullback.

The Scotland captain has played a pivotal role for Liverpool over the years under the legendary former manager Jurgen Klopp. Robertson’s contribution outweighs his current performances in the eyes of the Liverpool supporters who adore the 30-year-old dearly despite hiccups.

However, from a practical point of view, many of his supporters admit that Liverpool needs a successor for the Scotsman. Robertson’s second-in-command, Kostas Tsimikas, has suffered the same fate as him, struggling with injuries and consistencies throughout the current season.

Tsimikas’s failure to secure the starting role against this struggling version of Robertson speaks for itself. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has used Robertson as a regular starter, with the Scotsman doing his utmost to regain his former form.

Konchesky’s verdict on potential Antonee Robinson move to Liverpool

Konchesky exclusively told Liverpool Echo that Fulham star Robinson is the best candidate to succeed Robertson at Liverpool. He said:

“It’s been tough, Robertson has achieved so much for Liverpool. He was scoring and assisting goals with him and Trent Alexander-Arnold getting more than anyone else year after year. “It was fantastic to watch. But this year, he’s not gotten back to his best. He had injuries last year and we’re not seeing the Andy Robertson that we are used to. Arne Slot’s chopping and changing there in that position and fair play to the manager, I think that decision has been coming off. He uses his players really well and that’s why they’re flying in the league. I’ve really liked Robinson from Fulham. I’ve been to see him a few times. Obviously I’m an ex-Fulham player and get invited back, and when I see him, every time I see it, he’s been fantastic.”

Konchesky further explained why he thinks Robinson will succeed at Liverpool, a place where he struggled after making a move from Fulham in 2010. He added:

“I think he would suit Liverpool. I think the way Liverpool play and he attacks like a winger, a lot like the team at Liverpool already, especially last season and this season. I think he’s like for like, if they were to sign Robinson to replace Robertson. I think his technical ability, his crossing and his assists this season, it has been something that has really caught the eye for a lot of people. He’d be a great signing if he was to leave Fulham.”

Konchesky joined Liverpool from Fulham back in 2010 after enjoying a great tenure at the London club. However, the left-back failed to produce similar performances with the Reds under the infamous tenure of Roy Hodgson.

The jump from a side like Fulham to Liverpool is a massive one and sometimes hard for a player to handle mentally. That was not the case for Robertson, who joined Liverpool for a bargain price from Hull City after their relegation.

Meanwhile, Robinson has enjoyed a constant transfer link-up with Liverpool for a while now. The 27-year-old left-back has delivered consistent performances for Fulham since their relegation from the Premier League and the eventual return.

Statistical assessment of Antonee Robinson

Robinson won the Fulham Player of the Season award for his performances in the 2023-24 campaign. The United States international remains a pivotal part of the London club and has enjoyed consistent praise from the media.

Robinson has 10 assists in the Premier League this season, parallel to Brentford’s Mikkel Damsgaard and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. Only Liverpool’s legendary forward Mohamed Salah has more assists in the Premier League so far, with a total of 17.

Standing at 1.83 metres, Robinson has the physical, technical and mental capacity to thrive at Liverpool. The 27-year-old already has an incredible Premier League experience and is considered among the best left-backs currently operating in England.

According to FotMob, Robinson currently sits at a 96.3 percentile for successful crosses (36) and at a 93.8 percentile (35) for chances created in the Premier League. The 27-year-old possesses the physical strength and speed to take on opponents and beat them with dribbles while overlapping.

The United States international sits at a 93.8 percentile in the Premier League with 27 successful dribbles. He also has 55 touches in the opposition box, sitting at 92.5 percentile among the Premier League players.

Robinson is a formidable defender despite his incredible attacking stats, fulfilling his duties against many top adversaries in the league. The 27-year-old has made 44 tackles in the Premier League so far, sitting at a 92.5 percentile.

Robinson has won 146 ground duels with a 54.9% success rate and 37 aerial duels with a 66.1% success rate. Furthermore, he has made 47 interceptions, sitting at the 100th percentile in the Premier League, along with 112 recoveries, displaying his pace in occasions when he is caught out of possession.

Age is the only factor that stands against Robinson as a potential successor to Robertson. However, the 27-year-old is easily an upgrade based on his current form compared to Robertson and Tsimikas.

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There is a likelihood that Liverpool would target someone capable of playing as a centre-back as well as a left-back, a profile which suits Slot’s tendency to play different tactical approaches within a game. Furthermore, Liverpool lacks a left-footed centre-back and needs competition for captain Virgil van Dijk.