With Jurgen Klopp being forced to use a number of Liverpool youngsters because of injuries against Luton Town, it’s at that moment you want your senior players to step up.
Virgil van Dijk did just that by scoring the equaliser after his team had gone 1-0 down in the first half, with his effort from a corner starting his side’s comeback.
But another senior player who Jamie Carragher thinks stepped up was Andy Robertson and the ‘energy’ he provided from the bench, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (21/02/24 at 10:45 pm).
Within minutes of coming onto the pitch, he assisted Luis Diaz for his goal, which, at the time, put Liverpool 3-1 ahead and provided that much-needed cushion for the Premier League title-chasing team.
Before the game, this was a potential banana skin because of the problems Luton caused Liverpool during the reverse fixture and how they have also had a host of injury issues.
Of course, those fears would have grown when the home team conceded early on, but like they have been doing all season long, they just keep coming back from games and securing those maximum points.
Yes, even with injuries, the Merseyside club should still be able to see off a team like Luton, but the job still had to be done, even if it meant going the hard way around.
Andy Robertson v Luton Town
“It was brilliant from Andy Robertson, he came on and look at that energy he provides,” said Carragher.
“He wins it, typical Klopp football if you like and finally Luis Diaz does what he should have done earlier in the first half.
“Then a few youngsters came on, but look at Andy Robertson again. He loses the ball and wins it back. This is at 3-1. They are not trying to conserve energy and it’s a great finish from Harvey Elliott.”
Andy Robertson to start the League Cup final
Joe Gomez started at left-back against Luton, a role he has played all season long and done tremendously well.
But when Klopp made his change, it was Conor Bradley coming off and Robertson taking his place, with Gomez switching sides.
With the League Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday, it will be interesting to see who starts at left-back because you will assume Robertson comes back into the fold.
But will that mean Gomez is dropped? If so, it would be harsh on the player because this is the best football he has played post his injury.
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