Why Liverpool’s Andy Robertson is the antithesis of the modern footballer “I love his story, where he has come from professionally to reach this point.” Jurgen Klopp is just one of […]

“I love his story, where he has come from professionally to reach this point.”

Jurgen Klopp is just one of many enamoured by Andrew Robertson’s rise from the Queen’s Park B team to Liverpool within five years.

While Robertson suffered the same fate as many aspiring footballers – released for being too small – his path back to the big time has been as swift as it has been inspirational.

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Released by Celtic, whom he joined aged nine, Robertson had to drop down to amateur side Queen’s Park where he went into the storied club’s under-19s. Only, he had to settle for a place in the under-19s’ B side.

But by the start of the 2012/2013 season he had worked his way into the first-team. A slight, inchoate left-back pitched into Scotland’s League Two.

For those unfamiliar with that league, it is an eye-opener to say the least – an environment in which even the Bash Brothers from the The Mighty Ducks would wilt.

A grounding in the Scottish lower leagues

Grizzly veterans, harsh conditions, squalid stadiums… but an enriching experience compared to the sanitised nature of youth league football.

Forty-three performances followed, putting hair on the youngsters chest (so to speak). His development caught the eye of Premiership trio St Johnstone, Partick Thistle and Dundee United, Robertson opting for the latter.

While impressing fans of Queen’s Park, he perhaps wasn’t the most exciting prospect at the club around the time, with a number of precocious talents around the team. A move to the English Premier League was certainly nowhere on the horizon.

Then, at Tannadice, something special happened. Robertson blossomed within a youthful and vibrant team. The step-up was seamless.

There was little adaptation required in the physical side of the game, or the technical. He was an almost ever-present as United thrilled the league with a quick, direct, slick attacking football. They scored four goals eight times, while netting five on three occasions.

Integral to this bombastic play was Robertson. The team-sheet may have stated left-back but the term ‘back’ was superfluous. He was a one-man wing. Energy, power, pace, poise. For someone travelling at such pace as he bombed up the wing he was capable of providing wicked, accurate crosses.

Andy Robertson back in April 2013 as a Queen's Park player, from our Next Big Thing section. Deserves every success that comes his way. pic.twitter.com/NdnH8O7Iui — Kenny Millar (@Kenny_Millar) July 19, 2017

If it wasn’t for a shooting accuracy akin to a drunk’s tee shot, he’d have scored more than the 13 career goals so far.

One season in Scotland’s top-flight was all that was required for Hull City to be enticed to prise him from Dundee United for around £3 million – a substantial fee for a Scottish club not called Celtic to receive.

From playing as an amateur in the Scottish League Two, to the Scottish Premiership, to a Scotland debut, to the Premier League. In the space of 463 days.

It is testament to the character of the player. One of the most amicable, humble, level-headed professionals in the game.

During his first Premier League season he turned 21. An age where players celebrate the milestone by flying off to Dubai, posing with Wayne Lineker at Ocean Beach Ibiza or buying an unnecessary and grotesque car.

Robertson displayed his self-effacing style at a more low-key birthday celebration in Glasgow. It wasn’t just any normal party: he requested family and friends donate money to a food bank in East Renfrewshire, near to where the player grew up, rather than buy him a present. Raising £500.

While the attitude of many professionals can be questioned, Robertson has epitomised the benefits of a strong, positive mindset since being released all those years ago. It has helped him make what would be a jump for most players appear a mere step.

Finding consistency at Hull

Tough times throughout his progression were par for the course, helping shape the player he is now. There was a Scottish Cup final defeat at Dundee United, followed by relegation in his first season at Hull.

Yet he still did enough to catch the eye of more gloried names during his first year at Hull, playing predominately as a wing-back to suit his attacking instincts, even if he only started 17 games.

It hinted at defensive issues, only natural for someone still wet behind the ears tactically. Fifty-two games the following season as Hull won promotion back to the top-flight may prove to be the most important season in his development.

Arriving back in the Premier League a more accomplished defender, playing 31 times, he was one of Hull’s most consistent players as they were once again relegated. But he doesn’t have to contend with another season in the Championship following this summer’s move.

No position has prompted more talk about the state of football and finance this summer than the full-back.

Those who have not yet become numb to the eye-watering fees thrown around by Premier League clubs will no doubt be of the mind that football is not so much eating itself, as gorging on an all-you-can-eat buffet.

Manchester City have spent around £120 million on just Kyle Walker, Danilo and Bernard Mendy – more than some nations spend on their defence budget.

But there is solace to be found in Robertson, a player who has proven himself in England, proven he has what it takes to exploit every morsel of his talent.

Not only is he the antithesis in terms of his bargain £8 million fee, but he is also the antithesis to the stereotype of the elite, modern footballer.

“It is clear why he makes this progress,” says Klopp. “He has a burning love for playing football, his attitude is outstanding, his talent and skills are also very, very good.”