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After impressing against Crystal Palace, is Andrew Robertson the solution for Liverpool’s left-back problem?
Jurgen Klopp made several changes to his Liverpool defence as they overcame Crystal Palace by two goals to one. Joel Matip was the only defender who returned to the starting eleven, as full-backs Trent-Alexander Arnold and Alberto Moreno were left out of the side and Dejan Lovren dropped to the bench.
It was youngster Joe Gomez, Ragnar Klavan and new signing Andrew Robertson who came in for the Reds’ first game at home this season, and they were able to shut Palace out.
The quartet did well, but Simon Mignolet also made some important saves when called upon. Ex-Liverpool striker Christian Benteke was largely kept quiet although missed an absolute sitter from 8-yards out. His shot blazed over the bar, a chance he will surely rue missing.
It was Andrew Robertson who was particularly impressive though. The £8 million signing from Hull City had a very good outing, his first in a competitive game for the Merseyside club.
With continuous doubts over Spaniard Alberto Moreno, who has already looked shaky in games against Watford and Hoffenheim, and James Milner having returned to his favoured midfield role, the Scotsman could soon find himself as Liverpool’s first choice left-back.
He did what needed to be done in a defensive sense, making some important tackles, winning headers and also pressed effectively, something manager Klopp would have been pleased to see.
It was Robertson’s work in the attacking third that was very good, though. Up and down the left-flank all game, he provided a passing option for his fellow players but his delivery and crosses are what really stood out.
The Reds really should have had two goals from two Robertson crosses, one which Joel Matip somehow managed to redirect wide and the other ending in a weak effort from Sadio Mane. The Scot also registered two shots on goal, one from just outside the box which stung the hands of the Crystal Palace keeper.
Jurgen Klopp will have been very impressed by the showing of his team’s defence, and it was vital clean sheet and one that feels like a long time coming for Liverpool. Andrew Robertson was a large part of that and could well be a long-term solution to the Reds left-back problems, and what a bargain at £8 million.