Liverpool Opinion: Reds should keep hold of Andrew Robertson amidst Barcelona rumours
According to the Mirror, Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson is the subject of interest from La Liga champions Barcelona after the Scotsman played a key role in the Reds’ comeback victory over the Catalans in the second- leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.
The Mirror understands that Barcelona bosses are big fans of Robertson and they want to get him on board this summer after his stellar run of form for Liverpool in the current campaign. It is believed that Barcelona are willing to axe some of the older players and current left-back Jordi Alba, 30, falls within that bracket.
Robertson recently signed a new contract with Liverpool, which should keep him at Anfield until the summer of 2024. That, however, has not stopped Barcelona from making their interest known.
Robertson only cost Liverpool a thrifty £8 million when they brought him from Hull City in the summer of 2017 but the Reds are in a strong position to demand a massive fee for the Scottish captain should Barcelona come calling for his services.
The 25-year-old has been an ever-present for Jurgen Klopp’s side down the left-hand side of the backline, contributing with a total of 13 assists from 47 appearances in all competitions this season.
It would not be an overstatement to say that Robertson has established himself as arguably the best left-back in the Premier League and has his name right up there with the most productive full-backs in European football.
Along with youngster Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right-hand side of the pitch, Robertson has established himself as one of the lynchpins at Anfield.
Full-backs Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have shared a staggering 27 assists between them in all competitions this season, figures which are a clear testament to the fact that the Reds have relied heavily on the duo to spark creativity in the final third.
Now, that sounds a bit weird, given that Liverpool have players like Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino up front. While the front trio has undoubtedly been the major source of goals for Liverpool this season, Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have also provided a key attacking outlet from the flanks.
Liverpool currently do not have a natural No.10 in their ranks following the departure of Philippe Coutinho but Robertson has made up for that deficiency with his attacking prowess.
A modern-day offensive-minded full-back with a dynamic style of play, Robertson has not only impressed with his contribution to the attack but he has also been one of the most reliable defenders at the club.
Strong on the tackle and equally adept at reading the transitions in play to perfection, the 25-year-old has proven himself to be an indispensable component of Klopp’s high-intensity football. It is not difficult to see that he has been one of the main architects, one of the key driving forces behind Liverpool’s raging success on all fronts this season.
Robertson’s defensive capabilities are comparable to a centre-back and his passing, crossing and vision are as good as any top-quality out-and-out winger. Liverpool would probably need to spend a fortune to bring in a like-for-like replacement should he leave for Barcelona.
Still only 25, Robertson is a part of Liverpool’s long-term plans and the Reds need to keep hold of their core of first-team stars if they are to build a solid platform for continued success. They have paid heavily for the loss of Luis Suarez and Coutinho in recent years and Robertson is someone they just cannot afford to lose.
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It is true that Liverpool would be able to bag a massive profit by selling Robertson to Barcelona but they should be aware of the drastic consequences of such a decision. That said, Liverpool should forget about letting the Scotsman leave and do everything in their power to keep him at the club.
