In Jack Robinson’s first match for Liverpool’s senior team against Hull at the end of the 2009/10 season, it came as somewhat out of the blue despite it being well known that he was a very talented full back in the Liverpool Under 18s. Rafa Benitez had however seen something in the youngster and had already given Jack the opportunity to train with the first team. Becoming the youngest player ever to play for the Reds at 16 years and 250 days old, it was inevitable he made the headlines, but it was the last we heard of him in the first team for a little while.
The next glimpse Reds fans got of him was when he was receiving instructions on the touchline from Kenny Dalglish in the match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium after Fabio Aurelio had suffered another of his niggling injuries. It was apparent that Kenny was trying to settle the lad’s nerves by telling a few jokes and relaxing the player before having to go out and face Theo Walcott. The trick seemed to work as Robinson went out and performed magnificently well in the circumstances.
Still only 17 years of age, Robinson looked assured, calm and collected, tracking the runs of the England international playing against him, using his good positioning and a great deal of pace to ensure he had the winger in his pocket. On the couple of occasions he was caught out by Walcott, he managed to recover using his speed to close down any impending danger from the winger.
One of the player’s most notable characteristics, compared to compatriot John Flanagan, is that Robinson has already developed physically to cope with the demands of the Premier League. Combined with his good positioning, pace and crossing ability, Robinson should have what it takes to make it in the top flight of English football.
Of course, too much can be made of a few appearances, and a better judgement can be made of John Flanagan, but there is enough there from my point of view to allow him to be the primary backup to any left back who is brought in this summer. I am not going to tout him at England’s next great left back, as Paul Merson did after his performance v Arsenal, but along with Martin Kelly and John Flanagan, it must be said the Reds maybe looking at least 3 of their back four for many years to come.
For that reason, their growth should not be stunted by the Reds overspending in defensive areas this summer. Players such as Phlipp Degen, Emiliano Insua and Soto Kyrgiakos should be allowed to leave, but only a left back, and perhaps another centre-half, should be brought in as a replacement.
Like many other youth players at Liverpool at the moment, Jack Robinson looks to have all the necessary elements to become a star of Liverpool’s future.
Written by David Tully for Live4Liverpool.com. Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool or like us on Facebook.
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