Andrew Robertson — Liverpool’s working class hero

Andy Robertson bid adieu to Liverpool Football Club after the last game of the season against Brentford on 24th May, departing Anfield after a nine-year spell. The Scottish fullback has undoubtedly been one of the bargains of the Premier League, joining Liverpool for a modest £8 million from Hull City ahead of the 2017/18 season. Robertson not only became one of the best fullbacks in the Premier League but also forged an extraordinary partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold in becoming the best fullback pairing in Europe for many seasons, breaking several records on the way. From a struggling teenager at Queen’s Park in Glasgow to winning every possible club trophy with Liverpool and becoming Scotland’s National Team Captain – Robertson became the epitome of hard work, grit, passion, relentless energy and discipline. 

Let’s take a look at his early struggles, Liverpool tenure, important stats and honours for Liverpool and Scotland National Team and his impact off the pitch – 

Early struggles and the big move to Liverpool

Robertson began his career in 2012 as a teenager starting with Queen’s Park in Glasgow. Being an amateur club, they only took care of the expenses and didn’t pay the players, he even complained about not earning money on social media, giving a glimpse into the struggles of a professional athlete. However, he continued to play games, worked hard and earned himself a move to Scottish Premiership side Dundee United in 2013. 

Robertson could only play one season at United as he was snapped up by English club Hull City who procured his services for £2.85 million on a three-year contract. Though Hull City got relegated after the 2014/15 season, Robertson had shown his potential in the first season itself. Robertson spent three seasons at Hull City wherein they moved from relegation to promotion and then back to relegation again. Although Robertson had done enough on that left-back position to invite widespread interest from the top Premier League clubs. 

As Hull City was getting relegated from the Premier League after the 2016/17 season, Premier League giants Liverpool snapped him up on a £8 million transfer fee which proved to be one of the best bargains in Premier League history.  

Liverpool tenure

Robertson didn’t become the immediate starting fullback under Jürgen Klopp as Alberto Moreno was still the first choice. However, Robertson was slowly integrated into the high-intensity playing style that the German manager commanded. As the final pieces of the perfect Liverpool team clicked. Robertson alongside Alexander-Arnold became one of the most impressive flying fullback-duo in the following seasons. Both of them produced assists equivalent to midfielders and became an absolute nightmare for opposition teams and went on to win major silverware in the nine-year period. Under Klopp, Robertson realised his true potential and became a complete modern-day fullback whose job wasn’t just to be part of the last line of defence but also to become an integral part of the attacking front, providing assists, service on set-pieces and even scoring goals. His performances gave Robertson the starting left-back position for Liverpool for the past eight seasons before the arrival of Milos Kerkez last summer. 

Important stats and honours: Liverpool and Scotland

Robertson leaves Liverpool with incredible stats – 67 G/A in 275 Premier League appearances, also becoming the second highest assisting defender in the league with 60 assists. His top performances in offense and defence helped him win two Premier League titles (2019/20, 2024/25), one Champions League title (2018/19), FIFA Club World Cup (2019), UEFA Super Cup (2019), two League Cups (2021/22, 2023/24) and one FA Cup (2021/22). Robertson was also a part of the PFA Team of the Year twice in 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons and the UEFA Team of the Year in 2019. 

Robertson currently has made 92 appearances for the National team having scored four goals and provided 10 assists.  He was also handed the National team armband in September 2018. He has led the Scottish National team to the 2020 and the 2024 Euros Championships and just added another feather in his cap with Scotland qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Robertson will be making his first World Cup appearance in a month’s time, proudly representing and leading his nation in the coveted tournament after a hiatus of 28 years.

Impact off the pitch

With Robertson leaving Liverpool, the club would not only feel his impact as an experienced and seasoned professional but also feel his absence in the leadership group inside the dressing room. Robertson has been vocal both on the training ground and the pitch and never let the intensity drop. He has also shared a great rapport with his fellow teammates who have only shown their love and admiration for him as a player and an amazing human being. 

His class and maturity could be seen by how he handled the situation when another left-back Milos Kerkez joined the club last summer. Instead of feeling aggravated or insecure, Robertson understood that players have to move on and that he had to be fine with being rotated as new players would eventually join and replace the existing ones. He not only took Kerkez under his wing but also never showed displeasure over his playing time. Instead, he chose to support the team in whichever way he could and even cheered his teammates from the sidelines at times. His selfless attitude and positive mentality are a great asset to his incredible character. Popularly known as ‘Robbo’ by his fellow teammates and the Anfield faithful, Robertson has embodied all the virtues related to the club and the city – that of a hardworking, humble and resilient human being who showcased immense work ethic, passion and grit to achieve great things in life. 

He has also helped the communities in the city of Liverpool and around his country. Robertson has made contributions to several foodbanks in Liverpool and also provides young Scottish people access to football training, education and jobs through his foundation AR26 Charity.  

There have been rumours and speculations about an impending move to Tottenham Hotspur that could materialise this summer as Robertson still believes he has a lot more left to give. Even after winning major trophies in his time at Anfield, Robertson still possesses the hunger and desire to still continue at the top level – another sign of a truly great footballer. 

Andrew Robertson has been an exceptional footballer, an incredible human being and a massive credit to his family and himself. He has inspired a lot of young children and even struggling athletes not just in his country but all around the world that they can achieve greatness with desire, hard work, discipline, relentless work ethic and grit. 

Andrew Robertson has certainly been the working class hero that we all deserve!