Andy Robertson by no means fairly discovered his groove within the 2022/23 season, and for the primary time, there may very well be doubts over his long-term value.
Because the Scot arrived at Anfield again in 2017, few gamers have been extra constant and dependable, even when others have earned extra column inches and Man of the Match awards.
Robertson went into this new season as a key man for Liverpool, however by the tip of it, issues arguably had a barely totally different really feel.
Andy Robertson, 2022/23
Began: 37 (All competitions)On in its place: 6Unused sub: 3Goals: 0Assists: 11
Total Season Ranking: 6
Robbo removed from his swashbuckling finest
Robertson has been remarkably dependable for thus lengthy, so even when he dips barely beneath his finest stage, it comes as a shock.
In his first 5 years as a Liverpool participant, it was a shock to see him drop beneath a six out of 10, and he has rightly been thought to be one in every of Europe’s premier left-backs.
What we noticed in 2022/23 was a participant failing to hit earlier heights, nonetheless – albeit in a crew struggling badly, and with quite a few different people extra culpable.
Robertson’s drop-off actually wasn’t spectacular, although, and there have been instances when he felt like one of many least culpable.
Whereas fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered badly, Virgil van Dijk regarded susceptible for the primary time and midfielders regarded previous their finest, the 29-year-old was regular compared.
However he’s nonetheless held to a world-class customary, so it’s only pure to just accept that he has additionally been disappointing in his personal proper.
In an attacking sense, Robertson’s ending as ever left lots to be desired – and it’s seemingly getting worse by the season.
He didn’t rating a single objective throughout 43 appearances in all competitions, which, whereas removed from his main attribute, nonetheless outlines some shortcomings in that space.
A tally of 11 assists was his second-poorest during the last 5 seasons, though 11 massive probabilities created was the next complete than final season’s 9 and the identical as in 2020/21.
Defensively, Robertson has typically been rock-solid till this season, however this space of his recreation did begin to present indicators of creaking, too.
His 55 % sort out success charge was his joint-lowest ever for Liverpool – it hasn’t been decrease since 2017/18, and he was responsible of switching off on events.
An error in a mid-season pleasant towards Lyon was even described as “not cool” by Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool’s season was nearly minimize into two sections, with an enormous tactical change made in April, and that is the place Robertson’s function all of the sudden modified.
Tweak in function proves to be a problem
Klopp’s choice to show Alexander-Arnold right into a right-back who roams into midfield has had an impression on so many gamers, such is the magnitude of the alteration.
The Englishman’s new job is to run matches in the midst of the park in possession, and due to this fact vacate his right-back place, which means the remainder of the defence is requested to do extra.
Ibrahima Konate didn’t look completely snug with having to shift throughout and nearly cowl two positions at instances, and the identical may very well be stated for Robertson.
From being essentially the most out-and-out of contemporary left-backs, he was all of the sudden tasked with coming in additional centrally when wanted, guaranteeing the hole between himself, Van Dijk and Konate wasn’t too massive.
Put bluntly, he regarded like a fish out of water early on, and whereas Liverpool’s outcomes have been optimistic, his performances weren’t all the time higher than that they had been pre-April.
It’s only pure that there have been teething points, such is the complicated nature of the tactical change, and Klopp has backed him to thrive as a “very skilled participant, a really good participant [who] is aware of after we want him there.”
Primarily, it’s a massive check of the defender’s intelligence and skill to adapt, at a degree in his profession when he has many miles in his legs.
Robertson is clearly bullish about adapting, saying that “no matter system we play subsequent season or if we now have a few programs we will play then it’s about discovering your self inside that and bringing the very best out of you.”
Driving ahead rather less than earlier than may even profit him.
However with Liverpool anticipated to keep up this technique subsequent season, Robertson arguably finds himself in his most precarious place but in a Reds shirt.
What subsequent?
Liverpool have recklessly allowed their squad to age collectively lately, not bringing in sufficient reinforcements and discovering it pricey.
Robertson is now probably the most senior gamers at Anfield, having arrived as a fresh-faced 23-year-old, along with his thirtieth birthday looming subsequent spring.
Whereas any speak surrounding him leaving is huge of the mark, there’s an argument to say {that a} top-class signing who’s superior to Kostas Tsimikas may put him below severe strain as a daily starter.
There isn’t a query that Robertson’s all-round recreation wasn’t as potent because it was in 2022/23, and whereas he may simply return refreshed and pretty much as good as earlier than, it’s removed from a assure.
Given Klopp’s new system, there continues to be speak of Liverpool signing a left-footed and left-sided centre-back – somebody who may oust Robertson within the beginning lineup in the long run.
The likes of Wolfsburg speedster Micky van de Ven and the extremely rated pair of Goncalo Inacio at Sporting CP and Levi Colwill at Chelsea have been linked with summer time strikes, which is an indication that the supervisor is taking a look at an alternate.
Bringing one in every of these in would make sense, offering extra steadiness to the again line, and Robertson would absolutely deal with the competitors within the healthiest manner attainable.
A ‘poor’ season for Robertson continues to be an enough one for many gamers – it was a 12 months that also noticed him turn into the best assist-making defender in Premier League historical past – however right here’s hoping we see him again to his finest in 2023/24.
Finest second: An help for Cody Gakpo within the 7-0 win over Man United.
Worst second: Being on the receiving finish of an elbow from assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis!
Function subsequent season: Key participant, however enhancements wanted in new function.
