Andy Robertson
After Manchester United’s defeat at the hands of Liverpool on Sunday night, Jose Mourinho had a lot to say during his post-match interview. But one part of the entire interview stood out, with the former Real Madrid boss lavishing Andrew Robertson with praise (h/t Daily Record). The Scottish international was at his consistent best up and down the left-hand side, making himself a constant menace.
However, despite all the praise from fans, critics and even opponents, does the former Hull City man deserve the title of the Premier League’s best left-back?
While Andrew Robertson has been an absolute revelation for Liverpool, he’s not even close to the top. But the good news is that he should be there very soon.
His price tag might suggest that Robertson has been a bargain purchase for Liverpool, with the Reds spending only £10m last season to pry him from Hull City. Since then, the 24-year-old has gone on to make 51 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side, becoming a key star in the former Borussia Dortmund’s manager’s team-sheet.
But despite all that and Liverpool’s defensive prowess this season, Robertson still ranks behind the likes of Benjamin Mendy, Marcos Alonso and even Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell. But given that the 24-year-old Scottish international is only halfway through his second season with Liverpool, he certainly can become the best with time.
However, as of right now, Robertson lags behind when it comes to key defensive stats. According to statistics expert Squawka, the Liverpool left-back has only managed to come out on top in two key defensive stats and that’s blocked passes and tackles won. But when it comes to the rest, Robertson is a distant third in clearances, blocked crosses, blocked shots, take ons and interceptions among others.
That’s nothing to worry about though. If the stats are anything to go by, Liverpool and Klopp have uncovered a gem for peanuts. Not only that, they’ve recouped their mere £10m investment.
Provided Andrew Robertson keeps improving at this rate, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes the Premier League’s undisputed king of left-backs.
