Former Liverpool left-back Stephen Warnock has been lauding the growth of Andy Robertson since his arrival at Anfield.
The former Hull City player joined The Reds for a reported fee of around £8 million which is almost considered ‘small change’ in today’s market.
Robertson has since gone on to establish himself as a regular in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool defence as well as earning the captaincy for his country, Scotland.
Warnock, a one-time red in his early career, spoke to Liverpoolfc.com about Robertson’s development in the famous red jersey.
“Both Andy and Trent [Alexander-Arnold] on the other side had incredible seasons.
“I think last season with the protection that Andy got from the midfielders, whether that be Fabinho, James Milner, Gini Wijnaldum or Jordan Henderson, he knew he was able to make those runs forward without leaving gaps behind him.
“When he is going forward, the quality of delivery he possesses is brilliant. You see a lot of full-backs or wingers who get in a good position and they panic and try and overhit the ball.
“But the one thing you see with Robbo and Trent is they don’t panic and they have composure; they slow themselves down in those positions and their quality comes out.
“The biggest thing for me with Robbo is – and I know everyone talks about his assists and quality going forward – defensively he is superb.
“Your modern day full-back can often attack, but can he defend? Robbo can do both comfortably and for me, and I’ve said it before, he is arguably the best left-back in the world at the moment.”
High praise indeed from someone who knows the left-back role inside out. Warnock went on to admit that Robertson’s improvement as a player has taken him, and almost everyone else, by surprise.
“He is Scotland’s captain on merit. When he first came into the club, I don’t think at the time anyone would have predicted just what he has gone on to achieve so far and the level he is playing at.
“Would Jürgen Klopp have thought that? I’m sure he would have thought he would have gone on to a certain level, but to the level he actually has? You have to give Robbo so much credit for that.
“Maybe part of it is working day in, day out in an environment like Liverpool’s with world-class players. That can bring the best out of you.
“When you’re making your runs down the wing and crossing balls, and they’re finding your teammates’ runs and you’re clicking, then you are going up 10 or 15 per cent.”
With Alberto Moreno heading for the exit door when his contract expires in the next few days, Robertson will be the only recognised left-back in the first-team squad. James Milner and Joe Gomez can do a job there if necessary, however, it will be interesting to see if Klopp and Michael Edwards bring in an understudy to cover for Robertson or promote someone from the youth setup.
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