John Arne Riise shared that Liverpool’s Andy Robertson had really impressed him with his performances this season.
The former Reds defender also revealed that he didn’t understand why the Reds didn’t sign a big name player instead of the 24-year-old in the summer, but admitted he was wrong to doubt Robertson.
“To be honest, I didn’t see it coming,” said Riise as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“I didn’t understand why Liverpool bought him in the beginning. People were talking about getting a big name player at left-back.
“He only played a few games early on in the season with Alberto Moreno the preferred left-back at that time, when Moreno got injured, that gave Robertson his chance and he did extremely well.”
Robertson has made 21 appearances this season for the Reds since joining from Hull City in the summer, but has only managed to register three assists.
Riise added that he hoped the left-back would start grabbing more assists and more goals in order to help the Reds, as that is the only thing that his game currently lacks.
“I have been really impressed by him,” admitted Riise.
“He’s aggressive, he’s offensive, he’s quick and he never stops running, hopefully now he starts getting more assists and a goal or two, that’s what is maybe missing from his game so far.”
OPINION
Riise is probably right to suggest that Robertson should have more assists to his name, especially when you consider how brilliant his crosses are. However given the fact that the left-back continues to play good balls into the box, it’s only a matter of time before he racks up the assists. Riise is probably wrong to suggest that Robertson should be scoring more, as that’s not really the type of defender he is. While Riise may have scored his fair share of goals when at Anfield due to his ability at set-pieces, he’s more the exception than he is the rule.