Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)placeholder image
Former Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool earned a 3-1 win over Wolves in the FA Cup with Andy Robertson recording a goal and an assist.
Former Liverpool midfielder David Thompson hailed Andy Robertson as a ‘shining example to any young defender’ after inspiring Liverpool’s passage into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
But Robertson has been confined to a support-act role during the 2025-26 season. Milos Kerkez, signed for £40 million from AFC Bournemouth, has dislodged the 31-year-old for the regular starting berth. The Scotland captain was handed an opportunity from the outset against Wolves, though, and took it. In the 51st minute, his 20-yard shot opened the scoring before he crossed for Mo Salah to double the advantage two minutes later.
Importantly, Robertson provided experience behind 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance. Speaking on the Official Liverpool FC Podcast, Thompson said: “For seven, eight years, he's one of the best left-backs in European football and that is without doubt. He's a shining example to any young defender on how to play left-back. He very rarely makes wrong decisions.
“He played a supporting role to Rio but played it really well. He was guiding him, helping him, giving him the ball at the right times and then he got his goal.It was a fabulous strike, he won't catch on sweeter than that and then he didn't rest of his laurels and got a beautiful assist for Mo's goal.”
Jason McAteer also saluted head coach Arne Slot’s decision to play Robertson alongside Ngumoha on the left flank. The ex-Reds midfielder said: “I'm made up for [Robertson] He's had to deal with the disappointment of a full-back coming in, losing his place. He's been a massive part and there's nothing he hasn't done.
“We've lost big leaders in Jordan Henderson and James Milner, big personalities and he's had to step into those shoes. He's well respected around the football club, on and off it. It was very special to get his goal. His celebration, there was a big of frustration in there, but it was nice.
“It was a really good decision to play him and not Kerkez. I understand Tuesday takes some importance, some players were rested but, like Thommo said, it was a big decision to play him behind Rio Ngumoha.
“It was a big night for Rio Ngumoha, there would have been a lot of nerves, but when you've got someone as esteemed as Robbo behind, it makes you feel better. He's got your back. He's not going to leave you exposed or go on an overlap and demand the ball. He's going to give you the ball and back you up. Robbo will play a supporting role and that left-hand side was a threat not just because of Rio Ngumoha but the performance of Andy Robertson.”
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