This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Jose Enrique has praised Andy Robertson and Sadio Mane by suggesting he wouldn’t fancy coming up against them.
What did he say?
The former Liverpool left-back knows what it takes to succeed at Anfield having made 99 appearances for the club and played a part in the side which narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in 2014.
Like Robertson, he was a player who liked to get forward and used his dribbling skills to good effect, but he believes the Scotland captain is the best in the world in his position.
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He pointed to the fact Robertson does a lot for his side – likely meaning his presence in attack and defence – whilst also praising Sadio Mane.
Speaking on Sky Sports (October 16, 10:20am), as reported by HITC, Enrique said: “I said last year, he [Robertson] was the best left-back in the world. I know they gave it to Marcelo, but it wasn’t fair, in my opinion.
“Liverpool won the Champions League and he has been an amazing player for the club. He gives so much on that side. Him and Mane together, I don’t want to be on the right side of the other team.”
Dynamic duo
Liverpool’s attacking full-backs are a key factor in their success, with the assist records of both Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold last season showing how effective they are, with 13 and 16 respectively.
It is not surprising that the former Red wouldn’t fancy coming up against Liverpool’s left flank, with both players consistently showing intensity in all areas of the pitch, pressing when necessary and putting the opponent on the back foot often.
The energy Robertson displays on a consistent basis is evidence of that, allowing his side to get up the pitch, best encapsulated with his memorable pressing sequence in a league game against Manchester City in 2018.
His goal against Red Bull Salzburg also showed his desire to get forward and support the attack, and his presence in the final third often opens up space for Mane to be effective, with the forward’s goal against Newcastle a few weeks ago an example of that.
They both possess great pace and that is a nightmare for any defence, and the fact Jurgen Klopp has picked both Robertson and Mane together in 42 of Liverpool’s last 46 league games [dating back to start of 2018/19 season] shows how important they are to his side.