Liverpool vs. Southampton: Opposition threat – 22/09/18

Andrew Robertson

The new Scotland captain Andrew Robertson is the next man on the list. The dangerous full-back has cemented his position on the left over the previous season over Spaniard Alberto Moreno through consistent performances of the highest standard.

The Scotsman, who was applying his craft in the Scottish third division just six seasons ago, has both the danger to cause problems for our defence and frustration for our attack.

Although he is strong defensively,  his offensive ability is one that must be kept an eye on. He contributed to six goals last season (one goal, five assists) – better than any other full-back that played for the Reds that season. His ability to pick out a pinpoint cross to the exact location that the runner wants it should be a worry – with the Saints defenders not always the sharpest and most aware of their surroundings when it comes to balls into the box.

The issue of him having the space to put a cross in is amplified by the lack of pressure our full-backs and supporting midfielders seem to put on men outside the box – giving him that extra ten seconds to pick out the right cross.

As Robertson plays on the left, he’ll be up against an out-of-form Cedric – meaning there needs to be either a supporting centre-back in a back five to help put pressure on him and players with that sort of ability, and/or our wingers dropping back further to help out in defensive duty’s and block the crosses and chances their full-backs (in particular Andrew Robertson) will create.