The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Scotland star adds to growing reputation
LIVERPOOL: Former Dundee United full-back Andrew Robertson impresses
Scotland star Andrew Robertson has revealed he went beyond the call of duty to ensure hat-trick hero Sadio Mane claimed his match ball.
A ball-boy attempted to make off with a memento from Liverpool’s 5-0 demolition of Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday night – however, eagle-eyed former Dundee United defender Robertson swooped to ensure his Senegalese team-mate received his prize.
Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino also found the net for the rampant Reds, while, former Queen’s Park and Dundee United full-back Robertson enhanced his burgeoning reputation with a superb showing.
“I had to go running after the ball-boy for his ball at the end,” said the 23-yearold.
“They were three class finishes from him. Mo (Salah) and Bobby (Firmino) have stolen the headlines in the last couple of weeks. But Sadio is on my side (of the pitch) and he is a workhouse, he works so hard.
“He took the limelight and got his three goals.”
Reflecting on a magnificent display in Portugal which effectively secured Liverpool’s place in the last 16 after the first-leg, Robertson continued: “We were spot-on from the get-go. We were first to every second ball.
“We created chances and kept chances out, I don’t think they really had any clear-cut ones. They had a few halfchances but other than that, it was a perfect away performance. When the chances came, we took them.”
“We just didn’t let them settle. Their fans tried to make it a bit hostile at the start, and we managed to quiet them very quickly. That’s the key to playing away. If the fans are on their own team’s back instead of ours, we’ve done our job.”
Robertson turned in a remarkably complete display considering he was making his Champions League debut, with Alberto Moreno having been preferred at left-back during the group phase.
He garnered praise from manager Jurgen Klopp, who jokingly expressed his relief that Robertson has recaptured his knack of producing deadly deliveries following a few barren outings.
“I saw a lot of fantastic performances,” said Klopp. “And to be honest I think Robbo played an outstanding game and got his crosses back – I thought they’d gone to Scotland or somewhere!”
Captain Jordan Henderson joined in the praise, saying: “Virgil (van Dijk) has been brilliant since he has come in but again, the whole back four was very good,” added Henderson.
“The team defended from the front. It was a good performance and that is all I can say,” he added.
“You have to keep that going in the Premier League and in this competition. There is another leg at Anfield to finish the job off so there is a lot we need to do to improve.”
We just didn’t let them settle. Their fans tried to make it a bit hostile at the start, and we managed to quiet them very quickly. ANDREW ROBERTSON