Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany has raved about Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, remarking how he has “come a long way in a short space of time.”
The Premier League winner labelled the Reds’ first teamer as the perfect role model for any young footballer progressing through the ranks after Belgium’s thumping of Scotland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening.
Kompany – who stands at 6ft 4in [Transfermarkt] – admitted that it was rather bittersweet to see the 24-year-old excelling as he is for both club and country, whilst also praising his hard-working ability and desire to do well.
“He probably doesn’t know this, but I did remember him. That’s why it is so nice to see him doing so well now. Most of us in football have come from humble backgrounds.Whatever way you get there, it is always good when someone makes it,” he told the Sun.
“Andy is playing to such a high level with Liverpool and now he is captain of his country. He has come a long way in a short space of time. I think he is a great example.
“If you are in the world of football, there is a chance for you to do well. If you have work-rate and desire and ability like him, then it is not so much of a surprise.”
OPINION
Robertson has excelled for country, but he has done more so for Liverpool recently, establishing himself as Jurgen Klopp’s first choice left-back in the 2017/18 campaign. Kompany is right to heap praise on the defender, as it is most definitely deserved. The fact that a highly-rated player like the Belgian is raving about a player who represents his rivals is rather humbling. It is not often that a player does this, so Robertson should bask in Kompany’s praise. He is arguably now one of the Premier League’s best left-backs, and his place in the first team does not look like it will be usurped any time soon. Robertson is now highly regarded by his teammates, which is rather humbling considering that he did not stand a chance following his move last summer. At the age of 24, he is only going to get better and better, and Jurgen Klopp should relish in the fact that he has such a talent on his hands.
