The duo of Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson have shone for Liverpool FC in recent years, with the full-back pairing having revolutionized the attacking style of play adopted by Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Both player’s contributions towards the Reds’ domestic as well as continental success over the years, with the coveted Premier League and Champions League titles arriving at Anfield within a span of 14 months, speaks volumes about how Klopp has chosen to entrust his defenders with the responsibility of hitting opposition sides hard on the counter.
When Robertson signed for the Merseyside giants back in 2017 for a modest transfer fee of £8 million, besides supporters of other rival clubs, even the staunchest of the Reds’ fanbase were quick to question Klopp’s decision of bringing the Scottish international to Anfield.
The left-back had enjoyed the most mediocre of spells in his first season in England’s top-flight league and his then side Hull City suffered the fate of relegation at the end of the 2016-17 season of Premier League football. However, Robertson had caught the eye of the Liverpool FC boss who was desperate to sign a new player that summer to displace the out-of-form Alberto Moreno.
Since his arrival at the Anfield outfit, Robertson has established his credentials as a proven world-class full-back. The 26-year old has outclassed every other opponent with his marauding pace on the ball, combined with his relentless energy. Furthermore, his ability to deliver the perfect cross into the box has been matched only by his teammate on the right flank, Trent Alexander Arnold.
The full-backs were believed to be engaged in a battle amongst themselves as to who would finish the league campaign with more assists, with Arnold coming out on top with the English international having set up his teammates 13 times last season, just a sole assist more than Robertson.
Such a breed of healthy competition between the two teammates gives us a glimpse into the work environment fostered by Klopp at the home of the Premier League champions. With Robertson being five years older than Arnold, the former is seen as a sort of an older brother by the youngster, who has spoken very highly of his teammate in interviews.
As for the Liverpool FC right-back, success at the highest level has certainly come at a very young age for the Scouser. Initially, a deputy to Nathaniel Clyne during his graduation days from the Kirkby youth academy, Arnold’s rise to one of the brightest prospects in world football is unrivaled by very few around the globe.
At just 21 years of age, it is fair to say that the full-back has a long way to go in terms of establishing his credentials as a Liverpool FC great. Already adored by the ardent fanbase of the Reds, Arnold’s ability to improve upon his game season after season is a major factor behind Jurgen Klopp’s faith in the player despite his early struggles on the defensive side of his game.
Despite the full-back pairing having been an integral part of the Reds’ side that has conquered England as well as Europe over the past couple of years, a trace of criticism directed towards both players is concerned with the defensive acumen of their style of play.
With Arnold and Roberton both making countless forward runs on the flank, the duo are often found on the backfoot when going one on one with opposition wingers. Moreover, both defenders have been on the receiving end of censure regarding their seemingly less contribution towards the Liverpool FC backline rather than their work upfront for the attackers.
However, what is certain is that the Arnold Robertson pairing has been a boon for the Anfield giants after years of technical inactivity in the full-back spots claimed by Alberto Moreno, Nathaniel Clyne, Glen Johnson, and Jose Enrique.
Only time will tell whether the current set of Klopp’s highly-rated full-back talents make their name as popular as the Gary Neville Patrice Evra duo across the world with their run of form in the seasons to come, but Trent Alexander Arnold and Andy Robertson are undoubtedly popular names within the Merseyside folklore.
