Andrew Robertson
Scottish footballer.
Andy Robertson is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Premier League club Liverpool and the Scotland national team. Born on March 11, 1994, in Glasgow, Scotland, Robertson began his senior career at Queen's Park in 2012 before moving to Dundee United a year later. His performances in the Scottish Premiership earned him a transfer to Hull City in 2014, where he played for three seasons, including a stint in the Premier League. In July 2017, Robertson joined Liverpool for an initial fee of £8 million.
Under the management of Jürgen Klopp, he quickly established himself as a key player in the squad, renowned for his stamina, crossing ability, and defensive tenacity. Robertson's contributions have been instrumental in Liverpool's recent successes, including winning the UEFA Champions League in 2019, the Premier League in 2020, the FIFA Club World Cup in 2019, and the FA Cup in 2022. Internationally, Robertson has been capped over 60 times by Scotland since his debut in 2014. He became the national team captain in 2018 and has led Scotland in various major tournaments, including UEFA Euro 2020. Off the pitch, Robertson is known for his charitable endeavors, including establishing the AR26 Charity, which aims to provide opportunities for young people.
His journey from the lower leagues of Scottish football to the pinnacle of the sport exemplifies his resilience and dedication, making him one of the most respected left-backs in the world.
Family life & youth football
Andy Robertson was born on March 11, 1994, in Glasgow, Scotland, and grew up in a working-class family. His passion for football was evident from a young age. Robertson began playing at a local club, Giffnock Soccer Centre, where his talent started to emerge. His early footballing journey saw him joining Celtic's youth academy, one of Scotland’s most prestigious football institutions. Despite his evident skill and potential, Robertson faced a significant setback when he was released by Celtic at the age of 15 due to concerns about his physical stature. This disappointment did not deter him; instead, it fueled his determination to prove himself.
Following his release from Celtic, Robertson joined Queen's Park, a semi-professional club known for developing young talent. At Queen's Park, Robertson balanced his football ambitions with his education, attending St. Ninian's High School in Giffnock. His dedication to both his studies and football was commendable. To support his aspirations, Robertson took on part-time jobs, including working at Hampden Park, Scotland's national stadium, demonstrating his strong work ethic and commitment. During his time at Queen's Park, Robertson developed his skills as a left-back, showing exceptional pace, crossing ability, and defensive awareness.
His performances at the youth level quickly caught the attention of the club's coaches, leading to his promotion to the senior team while still a teenager. This period was crucial for Robertson as he honed his technical abilities and gained valuable match experience.
Career beginnings
Robertson's 2013/14 season marked a significant step up in his career as he joined Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership. This move to Scotland's top flight provided Robertson with a platform to showcase his talents at a higher level. At Dundee United, Robertson quickly established himself as a first-team regular, making 44 appearances across all competitions. His performances at left-back were consistently impressive, combining solid defensive work with an ability to contribute in attack. Robertson's energy and crossing ability became key assets for his team.
His standout performances earned him the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award, highlighting his rapid development. Robertson's form also caught the attention of the Scottish national team, leading to his senior international debut in March 2014. Dundee United finished the season in fourth place, with Robertson playing a crucial role in their successful campaign. His performances attracted interest from clubs south of the border, setting the stage for his next career move.
The 2014/15 season saw Robertson make the leap to English football, joining Hull City in the Premier League. This transfer represented a significant challenge, as he moved to one of the world's most competitive leagues. At Hull, Robertson continued to impress, making 24 appearances in his debut Premier League season. Despite Hull's struggles as a team, culminating in their relegation, Robertson's individual performances were generally well-received.
He demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level, holding his own against some of the world's best attackers. This season was crucial in Robertson's development, as he adapted to the pace and physicality of English football. Throughout these two seasons, Robertson's trajectory continued upward, from a promising young talent in Scotland to a player capable of performing in the Premier League. These experiences laid the groundwork for his future success at the highest levels of the game.
Robertson's 2015/16 season was spent with Hull City in the Championship, following the club's relegation from the Premier League the previous year. This campaign proved to be a crucial one for both Robertson and Hull City as they aimed for an immediate return to the top flight. Robertson established himself as a key player in Hull's promotion push, featuring in 42 matches across all competitions. His performances at left-back were consistently strong, showcasing his defensive solidity and attacking contributions. Robertson's ability to deliver quality crosses and his tireless work rate became increasingly valuable to the team. Hull City finished the regular season in fourth place, qualifying for the promotion playoffs. Robertson played a significant role in the team's success, helping them secure promotion back to the Premier League via a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the playoff final at Wembley Stadium. Throughout the season, Robertson continued to develop his game, improving his positional awareness and decision-making.
His performances in the Championship further cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young full-backs in British football. On the international stage, Robertson remained a regular for Scotland, earning several caps and continuing to grow in stature within the national team setup. This season was pivotal for Robertson's career trajectory. By playing a key role in Hull's promotion campaign, he proved his ability to perform consistently at a high level and handle the pressure of a promotion race. The experience gained during this season in the Championship, coupled with the success of achieving promotion, would serve Robertson well as he prepared to return to Premier League football the following year.
Robertson's 2016/17 season saw him return to the Premier League with Hull City, following their promotion the previous year. This campaign presented both challenges and opportunities for the Scottish left-back. Hull City struggled throughout the season, finding themselves in a relegation battle from the outset. Despite the team's difficulties, Robertson continued to impress with his performances. He made 33 appearances in the Premier League, establishing himself as one of Hull's most consistent players. Robertson's defensive skills were put to the test against some of the world's best attackers, and he generally held his own. His ability to contribute in attack remained a key asset, with his crossing and forward runs providing an outlet for Hull's offense. Despite Robertson's efforts, Hull City were ultimately relegated, finishing 18th in the league.
However, his individual performances did not go unnoticed, attracting interest from several top-flight clubs. Throughout the season, Robertson continued to feature regularly for the Scottish national team, further enhancing his reputation on the international stage. This season was crucial for Robertson's development, as he gained valuable experience playing against top-level opposition week in, week out. His performances in a struggling team highlighted his quality and resilience, setting the stage for a significant move in his career. Indeed, Robertson's displays during this challenging season caught the eye of Liverpool, leading to his transfer to the Merseyside club in the summer of 2017. This move would prove to be a turning point in his career, propelling him towards becoming one of the world's best left-backs in the following years.
Ongoing first team opportunities
Robertson's 2017/18 season marked a significant milestone in his career as he joined Liverpool for a fee of around £8 million. This move to one of England's biggest clubs represented a major step up and would prove to be transformative for his career. Initially, Robertson had to be patient for his opportunity at Liverpool. He started the season behind Alberto Moreno in the pecking order and didn't make his Premier League debut for the club until August. However, an injury to Moreno in December opened the door for Robertson, and he seized his chance impressively. Once he broke into the first team, Robertson quickly established himself as a fan favorite and a key player in Jürgen Klopp's system. His tireless work rate, defensive solidity, and attacking contributions made him an ideal fit for Liverpool's high-intensity style of play.
He made 22 Premier League appearances and featured in 8 Champions League matches as Liverpool reached the final of that competition. Robertson's crossing ability and link-up play with Liverpool's forwards became a crucial aspect of the team's attacking strategy. His memorable performance in a 4-3 victory over Manchester City, where he pressed the opposition relentlessly, epitomized his playing style and endeared him to the Anfield faithful. In the Champions League, Robertson played a key role in Liverpool's run to the final in Kyiv, where they ultimately lost to Real Madrid. Despite the disappointing end to the European campaign, Robertson's performances throughout the season had firmly established him as Liverpool's first-choice left-back. This season marked Robertson's transformation from a promising player to a top-tier Premier League full-back, setting the stage for even greater success in the coming years.
Robertson's 2018/19 season was a standout year that solidified his status as one of the world's best left-backs and saw him achieve significant success with Liverpool. Robertson was an integral part of Liverpool's Premier League title challenge, playing 36 out of 38 league matches. His consistency and quality were remarkable, contributing to Liverpool's impressive defensive record while also being a key attacking outlet. He provided 11 assists in the Premier League alone, showcasing his excellent crossing ability and attacking prowess.
In the Champions League, Robertson played a crucial role in Liverpool's triumphant campaign. He featured in 12 matches, including the final against Tottenham_Hotspur_FC in Madrid, where Liverpool secured their sixth European Cup with a 2-0 victory. This marked Robertson's first major trophy with the club and represented a crowning achievement in his rapid rise to the top of the game. Robertson's partnership with fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold became one of Liverpool's most potent attacking weapons. Their ability to provide width, deliver quality crosses, and contribute to build-up play was instrumental in Liverpool's success. Individually, Robertson's performances earned him widespread recognition. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year and the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season.
His consistency, both defensively and offensively, made him one of the first names on Jürgen Klopp's team sheet. On the international front, Robertson was named captain of the Scottish national team, a testament to his leadership qualities and importance to his country. This season represented a pinnacle in Robertson's career to that point, cementing his reputation as a world-class left-back and a key figure in one of Europe's best teams. His contributions were crucial in Liverpool's 97-point Premier League campaign (finishing second) and their Champions League triumph, setting the stage for further success in the following seasons.
2019/20 season was marked by historic success with Liverpool, as the club secured their first Premier League title in 30 years. Robertson was once again a key figure in Liverpool's dominant campaign, playing 36 out of 38 league matches. His consistency and quality at left-back were crucial to Liverpool's remarkable season, which saw them win the title with a record seven games to spare and finish with 99 points. Offensively, Robertson continued to be a major threat, providing 12 assists across all competitions. His partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite flank remained a cornerstone of Liverpool's attacking play, with their combined creativity and crossing ability creating numerous chances for the forwards. Defensively, Robertson was part of a backline that conceded only 33 goals in the Premier League, the best defensive record in the league.
His positional awareness, tackling ability, and work rate contributed significantly to this impressive statistic. In addition to the Premier League triumph, Robertson also helped Liverpool win the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup, completing a trophy treble for the season. The season was briefly interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a three-month pause between March and June. However, Robertson and Liverpool maintained their focus to complete their title-winning campaign after the restart. On an individual level, Robertson was again named in the PFA Team of the Year, recognition of his consistently excellent performances throughout the season. For Scotland, Robertson continued as captain, although international fixtures were limited due to the pandemic.
This season represented the pinnacle of Robertson's career to date, as he played a pivotal role in ending Liverpool's long wait for a Premier League title. His performances further cemented his status as one of the world's best left-backs and a key figure in Liverpool's success under Jürgen Klopp.
Robertson's 2020/21 season was challenging yet ultimately successful, as Liverpool navigated through a unique and difficult campaign. The season was significantly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, with matches played behind closed doors for most of the year. Despite these unusual circumstances, Robertson maintained his high level of performance, featuring in all 38 Premier League matches for Liverpool. Liverpool's title defense was severely hampered by an unprecedented injury crisis, particularly in defense. With long-term injuries to key center-backs like Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez, Robertson's role became even more crucial.
His consistency and reliability were vital in providing stability to a constantly changing backline. Offensively, Robertson continued to be a major threat, contributing 7 assists in the Premier League. His partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold remained a key aspect of Liverpool's attacking play, though the team's overall offensive output was somewhat diminished compared to previous seasons. Despite a mid-season slump that saw Liverpool drop as low as eighth in the table, Robertson played a key role in the team's late-season resurgence. Liverpool won eight and drew two of their final ten league games, with Robertson starting every match, to secure a third-place finish and Champions League qualification. In the Champions League, Liverpool reached the quarter-finals before being eliminated by Real Madrid. Robertson played in all 10 of Liverpool's matches in the competition.
For Scotland, Robertson captained the team to qualification for Euro 2020 (played in 2021), their first major tournament in 23 years. While this season didn't match the highs of the previous two years in terms of trophies, Robertson's performances remained consistently excellent. His durability, leadership, and quality were crucial in helping Liverpool navigate a challenging season and secure Champions League football for the following year.
Continued growth & development
His 2021/22 season was a campaign of near-misses but also significant achievements with Liverpool. Robertson maintained his high standards, featuring in 29 Premier League matches and 13 Champions League games. He missed the start of the season due to an ankle injury but quickly regained his place upon return. In the Premier League, Robertson was a key figure in Liverpool's title challenge. The team pushed Manchester City to the final day, finishing second with 92 points, just one point behind the champions. Robertson contributed 10 assists in the league, showcasing his continued importance to Liverpool's attacking play.
Liverpool's cup campaigns were particularly successful. Robertson played a crucial role as the team won both the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, defeating Chelsea on penalties in both finals. These victories added two more major trophies to Robertson's impressive collection. In the Champions League, Liverpool reached the final in Paris, with Robertson starting in the match. However, they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Real Madrid, a disappointing end to an otherwise impressive European campaign. Robertson's partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold continued to flourish, with the pair providing a combined 27 assists in the Premier League alone. Their attacking output from full-back positions remained a key feature of Liverpool's play. Individually, Robertson was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the third time, recognition of another stellar season. For Scotland, Robertson captained the team at Euro 2020 (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), their first major tournament in 23 years.
Although Scotland didn't progress past the group stage, it was a significant milestone for Robertson and Scottish football. Overall, the 2021/22 season saw Robertson maintain his status as one of the world's best left-backs, playing a crucial role in Liverpool's domestic cup double and their challenges for the Premier League and Champions League titles.
Robertson's 2022/23 season was a challenging one for both him and Liverpool, marked by inconsistency and a transitional period for the team. Robertson remained a key figure for Liverpool, making 36 appearances in the Premier League and featuring in all of their Champions League matches. However, the team's overall performance dipped compared to previous seasons, finishing fifth in the league and missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in seven years. Despite the team's struggles, Robertson maintained his high level of play. He provided 9 assists across all competitions, showcasing his continued importance to Liverpool's attacking play.
His partnership with Trent Alexander-Arnold remained a bright spot in a difficult season for the club. Defensively, Liverpool faced challenges throughout the season, conceding more goals than in previous years. However, Robertson's individual performances remained largely solid, even as the team around him struggled for consistency. In the Champions League, Liverpool were eliminated in the round of 16 by Real Madrid, a disappointing result for a team that had reached the final the previous season. For Scotland, Robertson continued as captain, playing a key role in their Euro 2024 qualification campaign. The season was also notable for Robertson reaching the milestone of 200 Premier League appearances for Liverpool, underlining his importance and longevity at the club. While this season didn't match the heights of previous years in terms of team success, Robertson's individual performances remained at a high level.
His consistency and leadership were crucial as Liverpool navigated a challenging transitional period, laying the groundwork for a potential resurgence in the following season.
Andy Robertson's 2023/24 season with Liverpool FC has been eventful, showcasing his consistent performances and leadership both on and off the pitch. As one of the key defenders in Jürgen Klopp’s squad, Robertson has continued to demonstrate his remarkable stamina, crossing ability, and defensive acumen, contributing significantly to Liverpool's defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Robertson has been integral in Liverpool's Premier League campaign, starting the majority of the matches and providing vital assists from his left-back position. His overlapping runs and precise crosses have been a constant threat to opposing defenses, creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities for the forward line. Additionally, his defensive contributions have been crucial, with his ability to read the game and make timely tackles helping Liverpool maintain a strong defensive record. In the UEFA Champions League, Robertson has been equally important, playing a key role in Liverpool's progression through the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
His experience and composure in high-pressure situations have been invaluable to the team, particularly in tough away fixtures. Off the pitch, Robertson has continued to exemplify leadership. As Liverpool's vice-captain, he has been a vital figure in the dressing room, known for his motivational presence and ability to inspire his teammates. His commitment to the club and the community has further solidified his status as a fan favorite. Despite facing some competition for his spot from emerging talents within the squad, Robertson's consistent performances and professional attitude have ensured he remains a first-choice player for Klopp. His ability to balance defensive duties with attacking contributions makes him one of the most complete left-backs in the game today. Overall, Andy Robertson's 2023/24 season has been marked by his unwavering consistency, leadership, and critical contributions to Liverpool’s efforts domestically and in Europe.
Youth Internationals
Robertson began his international career with Scotland's youth teams, representing his country at the Under-21 level before making his senior debut. Born on March 11, 1994, in Glasgow, Robertson's journey to international recognition wasn't straightforward. His early years in football were marked by a significant setback when he was released by Celtic's youth academy for being too small.
Undeterred, Robertson joined Queen's Park in the Scottish lower leagues, where his performances caught the attention of Dundee United. His progression at Dundee United led to his involvement with Scotland's U21 team, where he showcased his attacking prowess and defensive solidity as a left-back. Robertson made several appearances for the U21s, displaying the qualities that would eventually make him a staple in the senior squad.
His time with the youth internationals was a critical developmental phase, helping him to hone his skills and gain valuable experience against international opposition. It also set the stage for his senior international debut, which came in 2014 against Poland. Since then, Robertson has become a key player for Scotland, eventually being named captain in 2018, leading the team with the same tenacity and drive that characterized his youth international career.
Senior international
Robertson’s senior international career with Scotland has been distinguished by his rapid ascent to becoming a key player and leader for his national team. He made his senior debut on March 5, 2014, in a friendly against Poland, and his performances quickly established him as a regular in the squad. Robertson’s impact on the national team was immediate, bringing energy, defensive solidity, and attacking prowess from the left-back position. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively made him an indispensable part of Scotland's setup. Over the years, Robertson’s consistency at the club level with Hull City and Liverpool translated into his international performances, earning him recognition as one of Scotland’s best players.
In September 2018, Robertson’s leadership qualities were recognized as he was appointed captain of the Scotland national team. This was a significant milestone, highlighting his importance to the squad and his ability to inspire teammates. Under his captaincy, Robertson led Scotland through a period of rejuvenation, with a focus on qualifying for major tournaments. One of the most significant achievements of Robertson’s international career came during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers. Robertson played a crucial role in Scotland’s successful campaign to reach their first major tournament in over two decades. His performances in the playoff matches were particularly notable, including the dramatic penalty shootout victory over Serbia, which secured Scotland’s place in the tournament. This was a historic moment for Scottish football, with Robertson at the forefront as captain.
At Euro 2020, Robertson captained Scotland in all three group stage matches, demonstrating his leadership and defensive capabilities. Despite Scotland not advancing beyond the group stage, their performances, including a memorable draw against England, showcased their resilience and quality. Robertson’s contributions were critical in these games, both in defense and in creating attacking opportunities. In the World Cup 2022 qualifiers, Robertson continued to be a pivotal figure for Scotland. His overlapping runs, accurate crosses, and defensive work were vital as Scotland sought to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Although Scotland did not secure qualification, Robertson’s high-level performances and leadership remained consistent throughout the campaign. Off the pitch, Robertson has been a role model and a prominent figure in promoting Scottish football.
His journey from playing in the lower leagues of Scottish football to becoming the captain of the national team and a Champions League winner with Liverpool serves as an inspiration to many young players. Overall, Andrew Robertson’s senior international career has been marked by significant achievements, exemplary leadership, and consistent performances. As captain, he has led Scotland to historic milestones and has firmly established himself as one of the country’s finest players, leaving a lasting legacy in Scottish football.
Playing style
Andy Robertson is renowned for his dynamic and relentless style of play as a left-back. His game is characterized by exceptional stamina, allowing him to cover large areas of the pitch effectively. Defensively, Robertson is robust and reliable, often engaging in successful tackles and interceptions. He combines physicality with intelligence, positioning himself astutely to nullify opposition attacks.
Offensively, Robertson is a significant asset to his team. He is known for his surging runs down the left flank, providing width and creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses is one of his standout attributes, often leading to assists for his teammates. This attacking prowess makes him a dual threat, contributing both defensively and offensively.
Robertson's tactical awareness and versatility are also noteworthy. He adapts well to different formations and tactical demands, often participating in build-up play and maintaining possession under pressure. His leadership qualities, both on and off the pitch, are evidenced by his role as captain for both Liverpool and the Scotland national team, where he leads by example with his work rate and commitment.
In summary, Andy Robertson’s style of play combines defensive solidity, offensive dynamism, and exceptional endurance, making him one of the most complete and influential left-backs in modern football.