Liverpool’s wait for a left-back signing is now over, as former Hull City defender Andy Robertson joins the club for an initial fee of £8 million, as reported by BBC Sport.
He may not be the most exciting signing, but, at that price, he is a solid investment and a player that could soar under the watchful eye of Jurgen Klopp.
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Manchester City’s summer has highlighted the inflated prices that come attached to the full-backs in Europe with the highest profiles. The Reds have been wise to dodge them and invest in Robertson’s potential.
What will Robertson bring to Liverpool?
Although supporters will be desperate to throw him straight into the team, it could be that Klopp opts to ease him in gently. James Milner has done a good job for 12 months as a makeshift left-back, which means Robertson can be given time.
That said, the Scottish international is a naturally left-footed player and he will provide the balance that the Reds need.
His Premier League experience means that he is already comfortable with the league and his attacking game will benefit from playing in a top-six team, as he will be given license to get forward.
The attribute that will have been most attractive to Klopp is Robertson’s work rate. He is full of running for his team and will be able to cope with the pressing demands that the German places on each of his players.
Defensively, his reading of the game and tackling are areas that he needs to work on, but he is no means a weak link.
However, it is in attack that he has a bigger influence. He is a very good dribbler, which makes him an asset in the transition phase, as he can put his side on the front foot in a flash.
The left-back’s crossing poses a threat, while he is technically gifted enough to play one-touch football in the final third.
At Liverpool, their dynamic style of play demands that. He should be a good player for the Reds, once he settles into his new environment.
What does Robertson’s signing mean for Draft Fantasy players?
Liverpool had the second-worst defence of the top-six sides last season, therefore it is difficult to buy into one of their defenders for clean sheet value.
That said, Andy Robertson has attacking flair and his forward-thinking approach should lead to goals and assists, especially in a team as fluid as Liverpool.
Interestingly, the biggest effect that the signing of Robertson may have for Draft Fantasy is the diminishing value of James Milner. As the penalty taker, the England international had great value, but now his regular starting place is under threat.
It would be a risk to draft Milner based on the signing of Robertson, as the new signing is likely to be the long-term solution at left-back.
The defence of Liverpool mean that he is unlikely to be a good first defender for your team. That said, he does emerge as one of the best fantasy options in the Liverpool defence, due to his attacking flair.
Nathaniel Clyne doesn’t have the attacking quality to contribute frequently in the final third, but Robertson definitely does.
His playing time may be a cause for concern at the start of the game, but as the season progresses, he will emerge as a viable option in the game. It could be worth drafting him with the view to the long-term.
Sounds like another moreno to me.a defender thats good at offense and not so good at well,defending.
You’re site doesn’t seem to have Robertson listed as a Liverpool player. Can you update this please.