Former Premier League winner Martin Keown has singled out Liverpool left back Andrew Robertson for praise after his performance against Sheffield United on Saturday.
The 25-year-old played a key role, as ever, for the Reds as they battled to a rather underwhelming 1-0 victory over the newly-promoted Blades at Bramall Lane.
Keown felt Robertson was terrific: “If Liverpool are to be champions I think they’ll look back on today as one of those occasions where they showed the right different qualities,” he said on Final Score.
“They had to scrap, graft – Robertson brilliant in defence. And then they get the goal. Obviously there’s fortuitousness, but they kept going, Liverpool, and they have that feeling – that X-factor around them – that maybe it’s going to be their year.”
"Maybe it's going to be their year."#LFC #bbcfootball pic.twitter.com/bFEAqgzJDw
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 28, 2019
OPINION
There’s no doubt that Robertson was crucial for Jurgen Klopp’s team on Saturday. He produced a vital block in the second half that kept his teams’ lead in tact and ensured that the European champions went home from Sheffield with all three points. The Scotland international wasn’t quite as good as the colossal Virgil van Dijk at Bramall Lane, but he was pretty darn good in his own right. As per WhoScored.com, the former Hull City man had 105 touches of the ball against the Blades, the fourth highest tally of any Liverpool player. Despite that, he had a pass success rate of 87.2%, the fifth highest of any Red, and only second behind Joel Matip from the players who had more touches than him. Robertson was all-action, producing an interception, a clearance and two blocks. Meanwhile, he had a shot and a key pass, as well. As for Keown’s ‘X-factor’ comment, he certainly looks like he’s spot on at the moment. The Reds found a way to win today when they weren’t at their best. It’s a cliche, but that’s what champions do.
