Writing in his column for The Times, Adam Lallana has shared his frustration about the suggestion that Andy Robertson’s performances have regressed this season.
It’s no secret that Liverpool haven’t been as good as they were during the 2019/20 title-winning campaign, but Lallana believes that any criticism of Robertson is unwarranted.
Indeed, the former Reds midfielder says that the suggestion that Robertson wasn’t as good for the Merseyside outfit last season irritates him.
What’s been said?
Lallana came out in defence of Robertson, waxing-lyrical about his showings this season.
“People will point to last season and suggest he was not as good for Liverpool. That really irritates me. Firstly, what is that being measured against? Producing 15 Premier League assists from left back a season?”
“Those numbers are out of this world. Incredible. So judging him on that output all the time is ridiculous. Given the disruption Liverpool had in defence this season, Robbo had to play slightly differently.”
“In the absence of players like Virgil van Dijk, he was organising and leading the backline and that brings extra responsibility rather than just concentrating on your own game.”
“Within the dressing room I know his displays were never under-appreciated and to start every league game in a pandemic season is another remarkable reflection of his quality.”
He’s spot on
Lallana is absolutely right about Robertson.
Liverpool dipped this season, there’s no doubting that, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that every player was worse.
Robertson became one of Liverpool’s most important players at the back after Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk went down injured, and while he had to sacrifice some of his attacking prowess, the likes of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams were able to slot in much more easily due to Robertson’s presence at the back.
The Scot remains one of the best left-backs in Europe, and nobody should be questioning his performances or his ability.
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