Robertson changes and ‘fairytale’ hatred detailed by Liverpool skipper Henderson

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has hailed the continuing development of Andy Robertson – insisting he’s now the world’s best left-back.

The Scotland international made a surprising error to gift Arsenal a 1-0 lead in Monday night’s Premier League encounter at Anfield.

But he promptly rectified his mistake with the Reds’ second in their 3-1 win.

Robertson continues to thrive for Jurgen Klopp’s side having arrived for just £8million from relegated Hull City in 2017.

Now he is a firm favourite among Liverpool supporters, due to his all-action displays, everyman qualities and friendly rivalry with Trent Alexander-Arnold.

And having won the Premier League title last term, Robertson has become a published author, with an inside look at the club’s triumph.

Writing in his programme notes ahead of Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against the Gunners, Henderson has praised his teammate for his Anfield rise.

“The Robbo that arrived at Liverpool, back in the summer of 2017, is different to the one today,” says Henderson.

“But that doesn’t mean he’s changed as a person.

“He still has the same personality and character, but he’s developed as a professional to the point I think he’s the best in the world in his position at this moment in time.

“The Robbo that arrived probably didn’t believe in himself enough – well actually, he definitely didn’t.

“He certainly had doubts he had to overcome – self doubts, I mean – pressure he would have put on himself, unfair pressure.

“We all do it. I can associate with that, as I’m sure the vast majority of our players can. It’s how you react to it that defines you.

“For whatever reason his career is sometimes described as a ‘fairytale’ and I get why that irks him.

“It’s not because he finds it demeaning to himself – it’s because of the message it sends to other young professionals who will suffer setbacks and have challenges to overcome.

“Football – and professional sport in general – is full of people who fail before they succeed. And by ‘fail’ I don’t mean because they weren’t good enough in that moment or had made some personal mistake.

“Being let go by the academy you’re at, falling out of favour at your club or with a specific coach – or simply someone making a judgement, their judgement, that you are not good enough in that moment. I can tell you now – this will have applied at some point to every single player in our dressing-room.

“To come back from those moments doesn’t require a miracle.

“It takes talent, determination and persistence. And luck and having people to help and support you.

“I would say this reflects real life and not a fairytale.”

Since arriving at Liverpool, Robertson has featured in two Champions League Finals – winning against Spurs in 2019 – and played his part in ending their 30-year wait for the English title.

But it’s Monday night’s moment against Arsenal that most typified the Liverpool No.26, according to his skipper.

“Robbo is involved in us conceding the first goal, but instead of going under because of that he focuses on what positive affect he could have on the rest of the game and scores the goal that gets us in front.

“That’s typical of the player and person he is.

“But he’ll be the first to admit getting to the point of having that mentality, of not negatively dwelling on a mistake, has taken time and help.”

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