Why Robertson was the smart pick for Liverpool vice-captain

Arne Slot confirmed on Friday that the Scot will support Virgil van Dijk this season - news that should not come as a surprise.

Photo: IMAGO | Anfield Index

With Liverpool having previously failed to confirm the identity of the club’s new vice-captain following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, many assumed that an obvious appointment had been made.

Surely, the thinking went, it would be the vastly experienced Mohamed Salah, particularly as he had worn the armband in Virgil van Dijk’s absence during the recent friendly win over Athletic Bilbao.

Well it turns out that Arne Slot had different ideas, as he revealed to a select group of journalists in the embargoed section of his pre-Arsenal press conference on Friday.

It was there, in a small room towards the entrance of the AXA Training Centre, that the Dutchman in fact disclosed that Andy Robertson had taken on the role.

Explaining the decision, he said: “He's played here so many years, won the league twice. It was Virgil, Trent, Robbo, Mo last season, and Trent left, so there are logical reasons for [him being appointed].

“Apart from that, why is he the second captain? Because he's a very good player, plays many games, knows what it takes, but also knows the culture of the club and the dressing room.

“Apart from all the quality he's shown on the pitch, he also plays a big role in the culture we have here at this club which - I've said this many times last season - is the biggest gift I could get from Jurgen.

“And that's also something we definitely have to keep for my successor to have, if I'm ever leaving this club.”

If there is a shock element to the appointment, it is that it represents quite the turnaround for a player who emerged as a surprise candidate for an exit earlier in the summer transfer window.

Back in June, Robertson was the subject of strong interest from Atletico Madrid as they looked to add experience and quality at left-back following the departures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Reinildo Mandava.

And their approach was followed by the Scot giving serious consideration to a move, even asking Liverpool for time to weigh up the possibility.

However, it is understood that the decision to ultimately stay put was player-driven, rather than as a result of Atletico’s interest waning.