Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has explained the secret behind his devastating crossing ability – and revealed how being a defender has helped him perfect it.
Left-back Robertson and his right-back partner Trent Alexander-Arnold have become revered as two of the world’s best attacking full-backs, with the pair having become a fundamental part of Liverpool’s style of play.
One of the standout moments of the season so far came when Robertson and Alexander-Arnold linked up to provide a pivotal moment in the title race, setting up Mohamed Salah’s second goal in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Manchester City in November.
Alexander-Arnold deftly switched it from one flank to the other with his left weaker foot, playing in a rampaging Robertson for the Scotland skipper to fire in a cross that Salah headed in at the far post to blow a huge hole in City’s hopes of a third successive title.
And as he took part in a crossing challenge for 90min , Robertson opened up on his technique and how he uses his full-back expertise to open up opponents’ defences.
(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
Robertson said: “When I run onto it, I’m looking for that gap between the defenders and the goalkeeper.
“I know as a defender that is the space you do not want to have to defend.
“When I’m running full pelt I try and lean back a wee bit because I’m quite ‘over’ the ball when I run so leaning back just helps give it a bit of lift.
“You know when you hit a sweet one, one that stands out was Tottenham at home from last season, I got it out of my feet and caught it perfectly and luckily Bobby Firmino was able to get on the end of it to score.
(Image: PA)
Asked who he was looking for most when about to deliver a cross, the Scot replied: “For me, it’s always Firmino or Mo, I know Sadio will probably hate me for that but.. !
“If I can beat the first man, I know somebody’s got a decent chance of getting on the other end of it so I always look for the middle to the back of the goal.
“It is amazing to have great strikers in there and you know if you put a good ball in, it’s got a chance.”
And Robertson revealed he could get even better, insisting he hasn’t yet perfected how to connect with Jordan Henderson’s back-post runs.
(Image: Michael Regan)
“Our midfielders like chipping in as well,” he said. “Henderson’s always running in at the back post and I try and find him – I haven’t quite mastered that yet but me and him are working on it!”
After a friendly rivalry over who could provide the most assists last term, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson are again among the leading creators in the Premier League this season.
Alexander-Arnold has recorded eight assists – behind only City’s Kevin de Bruyne on 12 – while Robertson is not far off his team-mate, on six so far.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold just about edged it over his team-mate on 12 Premier League assists – behind only Eden Hazard (15) and Ryan Fraser (14) – while Robertson posted 11.
