Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has been a hallmark of consistency for Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions since his move from Hull City in 2018.
The 26-year-old has established himself as arguably the finest left-back currently in world football and his influence on the club’s success over the previous 36 months have been nothing shy of incredible.
Renowned for his eye-watering number of assists from defence, Robertson’s greatest asset for Liverpool has unquestionably been his consistency and durability.
Of Liverpool’s previous 76 PL matches, Robertson has missed just four. Even more remarkable is the number of appearances the Scotsman has clocked up in just two years. He has managed to remain fit and feature for the Reds 97 times since the beginning of the 2018/19 season.
These numbers are nothing shy of ridiculous and could even be argued as unsustainable. It is a testament to the work both Robertson and the club’s physio and medical staff put in on a daily basis to ensure the player is primed to remain at the peak of physical conditioning.
Robertson’s game has evolved so quickly over the past three seasons that it is difficult to look for too many improvements from a player that other than Virgil van Dijk has arguably been Liverpool’s most consistent player.
Instead, the major issue will be whether Liverpool can keep Robertson injury-free for another season? While it is extremely possible the former Dundee star could clock up sub-50 appearances again next season, the real question is why risk it?
Liverpool have reached the top of Europe’s pinnacle and if they want to stay there should look to ease the workload on the current crop who have been critical in getting the Reds back on their perch.
One player who has been mentioned as a potential suitor and understudy to Robertson is Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.
According to The Mirror, Liverpool have reignited their interest in the 21-year-old who enjoyed a positive end to the 2019/20 campaign despite his club side being relegated.
Stats suggest a drop-off
Lloyd Kelly has been persistently linked with a move to Anfield since Project Restart took place back in June after it seemed that Bournemouth’s survival hopes looked worryingly bleak.
Now that Eddie Howe’s team destiny has been confirmed, the inevitable Lloyd Kelly departure now seems a matter of when rather than if.
Considering Liverpool’s reported interest, we have looked at Lloyd Kelly’s stats to see how they stack up next to the best left-back on the continent.
Unsurprisingly, Lloyd Kelly numbers don’t quite stack up to Robertson’s but this shouldn’t in any way warrant off a move but instead showcase that it is unrealistic to assume it is possible to find a replacement close to Robertson’s level.
Defensively, Kelly averages 0.9 tackles in the seven matches he featured post lockdown. Robertson featured 29 times for this season than the young Englishman while averaging 1.5 tackles a game according to WhoScored.
Kelly also loses out to Robertson in terms of interceptions (0.8 to Robertson’s 1.1) and has a tendency to commit more fouls (0.9 to Robertson’s 0.5).
Offensively there isn’t a left-back in the PL that comes close to Robertson. He has 12 assists this season and averages 1.7 key passes a game.
Kelly meanwhile is yet to register an assist in the English top-flight and he averages 0.3 key passes compared to Robertson which is a huge drop-off.
Worth the gamble?
Another factor that should be considered when weighing up a move is the fact that Lloyd Kelly has played in a much poorer side whereas Robertson is utilised in a system that is built to benefit the full-backs and his forward partner is Sadio Mane who is currently the best left-sided winger in Europe.
Robertson – who signed for a bargain £1om (BBC) was nowhere near the quality of player he is today when he walked through the Melwood doors three years ago.
Every player has to be given a chance if they are to make it to the top. The early signs of Kelly’s credentials are positive and following Bournemouth’s relegation, Liverpool could orchestrate a deal at a cut-price.
A long-discussed move may take some time to sort out when it comes to agreeing on a fee with the Cherries. But it could be well worth it.
Liverpool have six of the Premier League’s top 15 assist to goalscorer combinations
Peter Moore to step down from role as Liverpool chief executive
Liverpool supporters react to Aissa Mandi reports linking him to Anfield
- Liverpool stars congratulate Curtis Jones following PL 2 POTY award
- It was inevitable that Liverpool would eventually miss out on Jadon Sancho
- Mohamed Salah deserves more credit for Liverpool’s outstanding season
- Why Gerrard’s Morelos headache is almost identical to Suarez 2014 saga
- There is still an argument for Liverpool to consider Kalidou Koulibaly
Liverpool fans react to reported Jurgen Klopp quotes regarding Jadon Sancho
- Joe Gomez’s role in the team even more fundamental following Lovren departure
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
