Tuesday, March 19, 2024

An Ode to Andy…

Milos Markovic in Editorial, English Premier League 19 Mar 2018

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Ever since Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona the following three Liverpool stars have shared an equal – more or less – time under the limelight: Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and scintillating Mohamed Salah.

The Egyptian forward is neck in front of his teammates, admittedly, with Watford thrashing coming as the latest confirmation of his sizzling form. The former AS Roma winger bagged four in the 5-0 win over Hornets at Anfield on Saturday to become the first Red player to achieve such a feat since Luis Suarez’s Norwich drubbing back in 2013.

Salah is leading the charts for Liverpool with his 36 goals in 41 appearances this season and is the Premier League’s top scorer with 28 goals, four ahead the closest rival Harry Kane.

Unlikely Hero

And as the Reds head into the international break in a positive light it would be fair enough to mention another Liverpool player who silently made his way into every fan’s heart and established himself as an Anfied favourite this season – Andrew Robertson.

The Scottish international defender may have been welcomed to Liverpool with plenty of criticism but the left-back has done brilliantly to overcome the initial difficulties and cement his place in the team in impressive fashion.

The 23-year-old joined Liverpool for £8 million from Hull City in the summer of 2017 and was widely perceived as another in line of below-par signings at the moment in time when Liverpool supporters were hoping to see world-class stars being added to the roster.

Robertson started the new campaign as an understudy for in-form Alberto Moreno but went on to grab a firm hold of the chance he got when the Spaniard picked up an injury in December. Andy never looked back since and is now an undisputed first-choice at left-back proving that Jurgen Klopp made it right when he decided to bring him to Anfield week in and week out.

Robertson has been making more key passes per 90 minutes than his Spanish teammate and is boasting a higher xA90 – expected goals assisted per 90 minutes) ratio of 0.21 to Moreno’s 0.05 which is telling.

Andy Roberston’s stats courtesy of understat.com

Hard Worker

His hard-working nature and relentless spirit have quickly made him a fans’ hero and Robertson’s name is being chanted at Anfield with growing passion each passing week in the Premier League.

Andrew Robertson has been performing at top level both defensively and when going forward, putting in a string of sound and indefatigable displays in recent weeks. From his Champions League debut against Porto, the 23-year-old is maintaining the high level of performance capped with another outstanding display against Watford.

Having served Sadio Mane with a goal on a plate in the 4-1 victory over West Ham, Andrew Robertson did exactly the same thing last time out when his surgically precise pass met Mohamed Salah on the far post for an easy tap in from the Egyptian for his second goal of the game.

Andy Robertson is a living proof that hard word and determination will pay off if you put your head down and do your best to succeed.

Passion and Heart

The passion is another of Robertson’s traits that helped him fit in with Liverpool so well.

The emotion Robertson shares with every goal his team scores and the emotions he displays off the pitch as well are worthy of a proper hero. The Scott does not only make headlines with his impressive performances, he is dazzling with his good deeds and charitable nature.

The Liverpool left-back showed class when he sent a signed Roberto Firmino shirt to a young fan who donated pocket money to foodbank and thus showed size of a true gentleman. Robertson sent a letter alongside the shirt to thank the lad for what he did and joked that he would rather have Firmino’s shirt instead of his.

“Let’s be honest Alfie – no one wants the left back’s shirt – which is why I got you Bobby’s instead. Hope that’s okay.”, Robertson wrote in the letter to reveal his jovial character in addition to his big heart.

Scottish international will now look to extend his fine club form during the international break when he is expected to be an integral part of the Scotland team for Costa Rica and Hungary friendlies.

The Scottish side will welcome Costa Rica at Hampden Park on Friday night and are available at 1/1 betting odds to secure a win.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milos Markovic


Formerly a Chief Editor at the largest sports site in Serbia Sportske.net, Milos Markovic is an avid football writer who contributes to a variety of online football magazines - most prominently Soccernews.com and Futbolgrad.com. His feature articles, editorials, interviews and match analyses have provided informed opinion and views, helping the football aficionados keep up to date on relevant events in world football.

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