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Andy Robertson’s Role at Liverpool: A Critical Assessment

Introduction to Liverpool’s Current Dilemma

After the midweek Sparta Prague mauling, where the Reds secured a 1-5 1st leg lead in the Europa League last 16, it dawned on me how much Scotland’s international captain, Andy Robertson, was looking far removed from the player he once was. In my years supporting this historic football club, I have witnessed dozens of elite talents regress and struggle to replicate what once came so quickly. The loyalty shown to many Liverpool players of old can be insufferable at times, as sections of the fanbase appear blind to the obvious deficiencies that eventually arrive at each player, no matter how beloved they may be.

Understanding Liverpool’s Loyalty and Regeneration

I recall aggravating many supporters a couple of years ago as I dared to question the deterioration of the Red’s former captain, Jordan Henderson. Many of the local Liverpool journalists were reluctant to point out the considerable drop off in his performances, as quite simply, his manager kept picking him. Loyalty is not reserved for those cheering (or jeering) from the famous Anfield stands, which became painfully apparent only last season. Regression-heavy players were eventually moved on last summer after the most disappointing season in the LFC tenure of the fantastic Jürgen Klopp. Despite the much-needed summer of change being largely successful, it was only the start of what is needed most. Regeneration should never be marginalized to singular periods, especially in elite-level football. The need to continually address issue areas makes the wholesale change requirement redundant, as consistent alterations to the playing staff would allow the standard of the enterprise to be maintained. Below are those that were moved on last year, which allowed some superb additions to arrive in their place. The arrivals were not limited to those outside entities, as the academy graduates and various fringe players have been allowed to flourish in this successful ongoing campaign.

Roberto Firmino
Jordan Henderson
Fabinho
Naby Keïta
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
James Milner

The Need for Change at Anfield

In my opinion, one more senior player is approaching the end of his Liverpool stay. His end of season’s role should be reduced in line with the player’s obvious regression. Andy Robertson has been a blessing of a player for this huge club, yet his impact and suitability are now very far removed from what once was. As this young and vibrant side continues to grow under the watchful eye of a few experienced and elite players, such as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, we should not be guided by loyalty but by the obvious reduction in output. Moving on, those stated above allowed the emergence of Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Lewis Koumas, Ben Doak, and the exhilarating Jayden Danns. The summer recruitment drive enabled Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō, and Ryan Gravenberch to thrive in this season of transition, with new energy being reinstated into the squad.

Regarding those in-house players that benefitted most, Harvey Elliott and Joe Gomez have risen to prominence, having been primarily overlooked last season, as Jürgen Klopp too often looked to the tired experience of those no longer fit for purpose. One of Liverpool’s players of the season has undoubtedly been Joe Gomez, who has excelled as the team’s holding midfielder, central defender, right back, and left back. It could be argued that it is the last position he has impressed the most due to his powerful and precise game, which moulded perfectly into the modern-day requirements of a roving fullback. Only recently did we see him dominate Bukayo Saka, with the all-too-common wing play inversion being expertly countered by the right-sided preference of the former Charlton man. Ultimately, with Conor Bradley occupying the right-sided role, I would prefer to see the 26-year-old Gomez start in the opposite role he deserves, ahead of Andy Robertson. The business end of the season is fast approaching, and the best players must play the more key games, which will likely mean a more rotated side in the two remaining cup competitions. It would be the FA Cup and Europa League where I would like to see Robbo starting, with a captain’s role frequently given to him when Virgil is hopefully rested.

Looking Ahead: Next Season’s Strategy

Concerning next season, it seems likely that either Xabi Alonso or Rúben Amorim will be chosen to work under the new Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards, as well as the incoming Director of Football, Richard Hughes. Those exciting young coaches will surely look to incorporate their preferred system of play, which would incorporate a switch to a 3-4-3 formation. In such a circumstance, I do not see how 30-year-old Andy Robertson flourishes in this demanding environment. By the summer, the vastly experienced campaigner will have amassed over 40,000 minutes of football, around 500 senior games, in a twelve-year professional career. The demands of a left-wing back (under the stewardship of either of those two managers) would not fit well with a player in deep regression. I would also not want to see another legend fall away like those before him, opting instead to remember him for the world-class player he once was. This is a well-regarded player that would attract many a top tier club, therefore, given the track record of sales during the previous spell of Michael Edwards, I fully expect someone will be willing to pay over £20m for an asset approaching his last legs.

Evolution over Loyalty

Whether the fanbase likes it or not, progression means personnel changes more rapidly under this new and modern regime, which will likely bring more silverware. This club must push the boundaries on recruitment and show a more ruthless approach to the first-team squad. Andy Robertson was once elite, and I hope the club finds the next guy who can reach that level. Until then, the first team proper should field only one starting left back, which must be Joe Gomez.

Steven Smith

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