Liverpool have just had a difficult week with a tight draw against Man United and a 0-1 loss to Tottenham in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final. The Kop's defensive form has left many concerns and the focus of criticism is on the full-back position.
In the English Derby, although most of the attention was on Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right wing, Andy Robertson also had a day to forget on the left wing. This poor performance left the Scottish star out of action for a single minute against Tottenham.
A mainstay of Liverpool for nearly a decade, Robertson has not only made an important contribution to the transformation of the team under Jurgen Klopp but has also been a model leader in the dressing room. However, the question is gradually being raised as the 30-year-old defender is on the decline?
Andrew Robertson's form has been a topic of discussion since disappointing matches against Chelsea and Arsenal in October. Although he shined against Aston Villa in November, the stability did not last long enough to change the general assessment of the 1994-born player's decline.
Robertson's defensive mistakes are appearing more and more. He was overwhelmed in the situations that led to goals against Leicester and Man United. In particular, in the loss to Amad Diallo, the Scotland captain could not close in on the opponent, leading to not being able to block the shot.
Not only that, uncertain handling also caused Robertson to commit fouls leading to penalties against Real Madrid and Southampton. The red card against Fulham was also a result of a foul on the ball. These mistakes are no longer a random phenomenon but are becoming an alarming sign.
An ankle injury from the end of last season has significantly affected Robertson's form. He was unable to participate in the summer tour of the US and had to rotate his position with Kostas Tsimikas in the early stages of the season. With Tsimikas injured, Robertson has been forced to play continuously, putting more pressure on his fitness, especially as the defender turns 31 in March.
Although Robertson's defensive statistics have not declined much compared to previous seasons, the effectiveness of supporting attacks has decreased significantly. His assists per 90 minutes are just 0.16 his lowest since joining Liverpool. The success rate of open crosses has decreased from 1.1 times/match in the previous season to 0.8 times/match this season.
This decline is not only an individual problem but also affects the whole team. Robertson used to be the main spearhead on the left wing, but now his contribution to creating opportunities and supporting strikers like Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz is no longer the same as before.
There is no denying that Andrew Robertson is still a classy full-back, but his role at Liverpool may need to be adjusted in the near future. Finding a successor to the left-back position becomes a priority task.
Robertson's contract will expire in June 2026 and the summer of 2025 could be the right time for Liverpool to consider parting ways with him if they do not want to lose him for free. This is also an opportunity for the club to recruit a younger defender, who can learn from the Scottish star himself before officially replacing him.
