Phil Neville is not someone who always hits the nail on the head punditry-wise – but on this occasion – we think he’s spot on!
The former Manchester United and Everton player spent his analysis of our 4-2 victory over Burnley yesterday waxing lyrical about left-back Andy Robertson – who he currently rates above Marcelo and David Alaba.
“This lad, Andy Robertson, I think he’s the most improved player I’ve ever seen in the Premier League. His energy, his quality – he’s the best left-back I see in Europe at this moment in time,” Neville told Match of the Day 2.
Robbo enjoyed a terrific, energetic 90 minutes up and down the left – and was mightily unlucky not to score at the end, with Sadio Mane launching himself at the ball instead of allowing the Scot a tap-in.
“Fullback to fullback utopia! Mane’s got to let the other fullback score, there…” Neville continued, before stating the downright obvious:
“With Alexander-Arnold and Robertson in the team, Liverpool have a better chance of winning the league.”
Today is Robertson’s 25th birthday, which suggests he has at least six years left at the very top for us.
Defenders usually peak at the end of their twenties and into their early thirties, but due to the physical requirements of the modern fullback, we’d suggest around 27/28 will be Robbo’s best years.
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With Trent on the other side, we’re set in the fullback positions for a very long time, anyway.
There is though very little in terms of genuine backup for either available to Jurgen Klopp, which is something we feel needs to be addressed in the summer.
An attacking right-back and an attacking left-back, both content with roles as backup, will give us a boost, considering Alberto Moreno is leaving on a free.