BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks hailed “exceptional” Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson in the wake of Thursday’s defeat to Manchester City.
The left-back played the full 90 minutes of a thrilling clash and caught the eye of former striker even though his side slipped to their first Premier League loss of the campaign.
“It’s not often defenders on the losing side make my team of the week but occasionally an exception has to made,” Crooks said in his BBC Sport team of the week column. “Andrew Robertson is the exception and that is because he is an exceptional player. He gets better with every game.
“He handled Raheem Sterling masterfully and still had the time and composure to deliver the most exquisite ball for Roberto Firmino to head home and all in a white-hot atmosphere. Make no mistake, this kid is outstanding.”
OPINION
Crooks is spot on. Robertson is a top-drawer performer who is the best in his position in the Premier League and, indeed, across the Europe. No full-back has handled Sterling better this season, with the Scot’s timing, positioning and decision-making against one of the outstanding forwards in the league a lesson for anyone trying to learn the position. He is excellent on the ball, too, able to operate in tight spaces as well create chances on the overlap. His assist for Roberto Firmino’s goal was a beautifully hit volleyed cross after he found space at the back post to receive a jaw-droppingly good Trent Alexander-Arnold pass. Liverpool may have lost, but Robertson’s reputation has been enhanced as a result of his performance, while Virgil van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold and Firmino could also hold their heads especially high as a result of their endeavours at Etihad Stadium.