Virgil Van Dijk has admitted that he’s a big fan of the way Andy Robertson plays for Liverpool.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand for BT Sport’s Between The Lines series, Van Dijk was asked about his on-pitch relationship with Robertson.
“Andy is incredible, the energy, but he’s so front-footed,” said the Dutchman. “He knows that I need to be on his back, that’s also something that’s expected of us as centre-back’s. You have to cover your full-backs, especially when there’s only one striker.”
The two form an impressive left-hand side for Liverpool’s defence. Having played together now for four-and-a-half years, they have clearly built an excellent understanding.
Robbo hits the front
After waiting almost five years for his first Liverpool goal in-front of The Kop, Robertson got another on Sunday.
He ghosted into the area to fire past John Ruddy and put Liverpool 3-1 up against Wolves. Unfortunately, the goal wasn’t enough to see The Reds to the Premier League title.
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It was also, according to Robertson, the quietest he’d ever heard Anfield. A goal is a goal though, and it means that Robbo ends the league campaign with three goals and ten assists. Just one goal contribution off his best ever for Liverpool. Not bad for barely £8m!
Doing a job at both ends
As well as his attacking qualities though, he can also defend with the best of them.
Of course it helps to have a player as good as Van Dijk behind you. Nevertheless, Liverpool conceded the joint-least amount of goals in the league this season.
With Robertson at the back for the vast majority of the season, he more than played his part in that.
The 28-year-old has played less football than in recent years, owing to Kostas Tsimikas’ emergence. But the way he marauds up and down the pitch every single game still beggars belief.
One more to go in another brilliant season for Robbo. He has a bit of a battle to keep hold of his place in the team moving forwards, but no doubt he’ll be right up for that.