Even though Jurgen Klopp claims that no one has noticed, Andy Robertson’s role for Liverpool has just changed.
The Duracell bunny of a full-back that Robertson has been for the majority of his Reds career up to this point will always be remembered as Robertson. However, after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s recent adjustment to a more inverted role, Klopp informed Sky Sports through LFCTV last night that Robertson has also had to adjust his position.
Though Robbo’s transition hasn’t been as clear to the average viewer, as he told reporter Patrick Davidson following Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Leicester City.
Davidson addressed the Liverpool manager, saying, “You indicated to me Andy Robertson has a new post and nobody has asked me.”
I didn’t say no one questioned me! I said, “Nobody saw it!” Klopp re-shopped. “Everything is good; it’s just that when he engages in offensive behaviour, it’s different from how it was before, and that’s all. But I have no doubt that the astute players at the strategy table will understand everything.
For Liverpool, Robertson is still crucial.
Given that Trent is now playing in the midfield, it seems natural that Robertson has had to step up and fill in for him. He would severely imbalance the team if he continued to bomb nonstop as before. Having said that, there isn’t really much of a shift.
The majority of Liverpool’s early attacking action against Leicester last night was on the left. Because of his involvement, Luis Diaz required Robertson’s support.
It was common to observe the £10 million man pressing forward, especially in the first half, to assist Diaz in gaining a two-on-one advantage over Ricardo Pereira. Despite the fact that the Reds’ goals ultimately came from the other side, it often worked.
However, those paying close attention have probably noticed that Robbo hasn’t been as aggressive as normal. Curtis Jones being in the side is greatly assisting him in that regard.
Jones has taken over the role as the extra body on the left flank due to Robertson’s purposeful absence. The 22-year-old occasionally resembles an old-school left winger, much like Jordan Henderson does on the other side of the game.
Liverpool can sometimes afford to hold Robertson in reserve because to Jones’ relentless running and innate sense of when to attack. If Jones receives that position on a more permanent basis next season is still up in the air. But whoever is identified as a potential new addition during the summer will need to be smart and capable of handling this position.
One thing won’t alter, whoever is there. Robertson will play a key role in how Liverpool is arranged, just as he has in the past.
