Over the course of Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Anfield, one thing that has been sorely lacking is a proven full-back on the left side of the Liverpool defence. And at times this season, the lack of a seasoned player in the same position has cost them a few points. Not to take anything away from James Milner, but the wow factor that is associated with a marauding left-back is not present in the versatile veteran. At times, it makes it predictable for defenders who know that Milner would rather prefer to cross it with his right foot rather than his weaker left-foot.
The big question though is which player will be able to fulfil the requirements of this position.The attacking talent may have all have the pizzazz, but it is the defending which leaves Klopp with hair-pulling antics. The gaffer has already used his imagination to balance the squad multiple times this season.
In fact, it has been wonderful to see this affable German with his larger than life expressions outwitting the other top coaches in this league despite the dearth of the requisite players, although his record beyond the top six is something that still needs to be addressed.
This has led to the German in the direction of James Milner for the position of the full-back ahead of the much quicker Alberto Moreno. Whether Klopp has missed a trick remains to be seen. With no European football on offer this term, Klopp had the opportunity to develop the Spaniard with an eye on the future. But the rigours of the Premier League alongside the glaring need for Liverpool to compete in the league meant that Klopp had to settle for the tried and tested rather than a young and wayward left-back.
And they haven’t failed in their objective with Milner whizzing up the flanks and providing a solid platform on the left side of midfield. A direct result of that has been the stupendous form of their Brazilian talisman, Philippe Coutinho.
Milner’s presence down his flank means that he has the support of Milner to attack without worrying about defensive responsibilities. And the statistics prove that as well, with the Brazilian contributing 12 goals and 7 assists in the Premier League. Milner himself has benefitted with regular exposure to first team football and a long way the dispatching all the penalties with the only exception of the Fraser Foster save against Southampton.
To imagine Milner out of this side is a nigh impossible thought given the displays he has put under Klopp. Mr. 100 percent ensures that although the Reds don’t have a naturally left-sided player, they don’t ever feel the lack of it. A number of runs that Milner embarks on a constant basis does demand respect but with the Englishman erring on the wrong side of 30’s it has become a necessity to look for options.
The quest for a Champion’s League place for Liverpool will reach its final chapter this weekend after Arsenal did their bit and beat West Brom last night. Irrespective of the result, one can expect Liverpool to be in action in Europe next season. Whether they end up travelling to the much more hallowed lands of Champions League remains to be seen.
Andrew Robertson: The future
As far as the Scottish connection goes, Merseyside has welcomed and witnessed players/legends such as Kenny Dalglish, Graeme Souness, Alan Hansen, Don Hutchinson to name a few. Another crowd favourite Gary McAllister was also on the books of Liverpool. Thus for a young Scot like Andy Robertson, it does seem like a reasonable move if it happens.
Robertson clearly has a lot of suitors with the Scotsman, putting in outstanding performances throughout the season. In the early half of the season, alongside Robert Snodgrass, the duo was perilous down the left.
The duo exploited their national connection on the pitch putting in performances which offered Hull a modicum of hope in their battle against relegation. In reports, emanating from various dailies in the UK, Klopp is seeking a “long-term specialist” in the said position and has now settled on the left-back from Hull City as his first choice.
Defensive errors have curtailed Liverpool’s push for a title this season and Klopp recognises the need for a specialist. Over the weekend, Liverpool routed West Ham at the Millenium stadium to ensure that Champion’s League football remains within its grasp. With Hull’s relegation being confirmed, Liverpool, and most importantly Klopp, believe that Robertson will be able to take on the mantle of full-back position with ease at Anfield.
Robertson started his career with Celtic before he was moved out to one of Scotland’s older clubs i.e. Queens Park. His career progressed from there to Dundee United where he was rewarded with a debut in the Scottish Premiership. The left-back hit the ground running and the talent was there for all to see as he was awarded the Young Player of the Month for September before earning the senior award in November.
Since then, the player has gone from strength to strength and which also saw him named as the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year while being selected in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year, in his debut season in the Scottish Premiership. The 23-year-old has continued in the same vein of form, this time in England.
He has already shown the maturity to function at this level. He has responded splendidly to Marco Silva’s tactics at Hull City which in the end proved futile in their bid to avoid relegation. But the silver lining has been the form of the senior players, with Robertson showing maturity beyond his years.
A steady progress over the past few seasons means that his arrival will be welcomed at Anfield. A steady and solid presence is what Klopp requires most rather than a more attacking minded left-back at this point in time. Stability at the back can only help Klopp as he focuses on working with the attackers and midfielders on how to unlock stubborn defences.
The Scot’s upward trajectory means that he will have the opportunity to develop his game on the attacking front as well. More importantly, Robertson being a naturally left-sided player means that the paucity of goals scored against Liverpool should also decrease.
Liverpool are set to encounter more sides set up to defend against them on a constant basis next season and Klopp is aware of the need to rectify defensive errors next season.
It’s been a while since that position has seen a regular starter since John Arne Riise. History beckons for the young Scotsman if he does come to Anfield. In a Bleacher Report piece, Billy Dunlop the legendary Scotsman was listed as the fifth best left-back ever seen at Liverpool with Alan Kennedy topping the list. Robertson, if he does arrive, will have huge boots to Anfield but only time will tell whether he fills those boots or not.
