Wigan goalkeeper Charlie Mulgrew thinks Scotland are putting too much expectation on the shoulders of Liverpool man Andrew Robertson.
The stopper believes that Robbo is currently carrying the burden that was previously felt by Darren Fletcher, as the stand-out best player in the squad.
“There is a lot of pressure on Robbo because he is our captain and a Champions League winner,” Mulgrew is quoted as saying by the Daily Record.
“But he handles pressure week in and week out for Liverpool. It was similar to when we had Fletcher in the team when he was at Manchester United. People expected him to perform miracles and it is the same with Robbo.
“But it isn’t his responsibility to do it all himself. If we all do our jobs then he can shine. Robbo is a top player and we are glad to have him.”
It’s true that the Liverpool full-back did just help his team win the Champions League, but he’s just one man. Robbo may put in a lovely cross, but if a player of Sadio Mane or Bobby Firmino’s quality isn’t on the end of it, who’s to say the resulting effort will even hit the target?
The left-back could get skinned by a winger, but said forward would then run into Virgil van Dijk or Joel Matip at Anfield.
It’s not a way to excuse Robertson, but more of a way to galvanise the rest of the Scotland squad to up their game – it can’t all be down to one player.
I’m glad to see a high-profile player standing up for the Scotland captain, as I see the backlash against him online has been over the top.
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Scotland supporters, don’t turn your best player into a scapegoat.