Liverpool’s Legendary Left Back: Andy Robertson
It does appear that the legendary status of Liverpool’s veteran left back, Andy Robertson, has many of the fanbase refusing to accept the inevitability of top-level sport. Regression eventually comes to all players, regardless of how much we appreciate and admire their past contributions. Concerning the celebrated Scotland captain, the final season of Jürgen Klopp (as the reds) manager), coincided with a second consecutive down year for the former Hull fullback. Following a glittering career of gegenpressing and after giving all for his illustrious German manager, it seems that injuries and inconsistency have risen to the fore of the 74-cap international skipper. To win this version of the Premier League, very few mistakes can be made by expectant and silverware hungry clubs, therefore, now seems to be the appropriate time to start looking at who can take on the mantle of the former world class operator. My hope is that with two years remaining on his current deal, the 30-year-old will become a rotation piece more than a first choice, so that his level can be maximised across a less frenetic fixture list.
Potential Successors for Robertson
From a personal point of view, within a system where the left winger would hold the width and benefit from a more defensive fullback, Joe Gomez would be my first choice to succeed his teammate. Following such a tremendous 2023/24 campaign for the underappreciated England international, it does seem warranted and would offer defensive assurance as well as rewarding superb performances. This scenario remains a viable option and one that will surely be presented to the new Liverpool Head Coach, Arne Slot, in the coming weeks. Regarding others also in house, Kostas Tsimikas has now fulfilled his role as deputy and should attract many suitors, which makes his sale almost inevitable this summer.
External Candidates for the Left Back Position
Where a more robust and centrally able left back were required, the below quartet jump out immediately as players of interest for the data driven recruitment team.
Gonçalo Inácio Sporting Lisbon LCB / LB
Castello Lukeba RB Leipzig LCB / LB
Riccardo Calafiori Bologna LCB / LB
Willian Pacho Eintracht Frankfurt LCB / LB
All those players listed would offer a more resilient dynamic, however, none would be a stylistic replacement for Liverpool’s Andy Robertson. If the Merseyside giants new Sporting Director were tasked with making a move for a more like for like player, then this pair stated below would make more sense for Richard Hughes, as he looks to adjust the current squad.
Rayan Aït-Nouri Wolves LB / LWB
Milos Kerkez Bournemouth LB / LWB
Rayan Aït-Nouri: The Best Fit
It would be the Wolverhampton Wanderers flying fullback, Rayan Aït-Nouri, who would be the most attacking and proven of all those listed above. The excellent technician has thrived since arriving in the midlands and would surely want to join an elite squad such as the Anfield club. The fee for all those mentioned would deviate from £40m-£55m, with the 23-year-old Wolves man hitting the upper echelons of that range. As a forward driving and strong dribbler of the ball, he would be able to offer continual support (to the attack) and delivery in the final third. As an energetic asset, this is also someone that could mirror the endless tracking and energy which has been the hallmark of Robbo’s own career. Following a season where 38 games and 2’669 minutes were played, there is proof that the versatile 5ft 11inch wide man could make the step up to the Champions League levels of play, thereby offering a natural succession for v2.0.
Considerations and Conclusion
A splattering of largely mild injuries across a multi-year career, are of no concern and the only issue is the price of the much-coveted Wolves man. If a replacement (in terms of style is desired), then the heir to Andy Robertson could absolutely be the 12-cap Algeria international, Rayan Aït-Nouri. I do have reservations about the prospect of the back line being too open once again, though that concern would be solved by the recruitment of an elite defensive midfielder, such as Ederson, Alan Varela, or Manuel Ugarte. Whatever way you look at the situation, the best days of the reds famous number (in 26 are now behind him and if the Anfield executives were to target the Wolves gifted number 3, then that would be a brilliant piece of business.
Once again, the completion of ongoing international tournaments will be needed before any significant business is undertaken.
https://x.com/anythinglfc_/status/1806716392198062366?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
https://x.com/transfersector/status/1806687675430183206?s=46&t=rxgukmqdoXc4muVFLSx2EQ
Steven Smith
