Even a declined Robbo is better than Tsimikas who barely played for 2 years.
Robbo had slowed down and was a weakness 1 v 1 thatâs why he was used predominantly against teams with no threat down our left
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Even in his prime under JĂŒrgen, Robbo got significant midfield and defensive cover rather than engaging opposition right-sided attackers in pure 1v1 defensive situation
Kloppâs tactical system heavily protected his marauding full-backs. Gini constantly shifted laterally to cover the space. which allowed Robbo to push high up the pitch. Also, Sadio frequently tracked back to create double-teams against opposition wingers, ensuring Robbo rarely found himself isolated in dangerous 1v1 And finally, Virgil would often push wider to guard the left-half space, further shielding Robbo from counter-attacks.
My point is, even majority of the title winning season, the system more or less worked. Proof is we won the title with games to spare. Thats the season there was noticeable dropoff in his 1 v 1 defensive capabilities. A big example being vs Arsenal away.
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Robbo became a good 1 v 1 defender and I was confident with him in those situations, but this and last year he became susceptible and would retreat into the area due to him then having players close to him.
Kerkez was trusted to cope with tricky wingers, which he proved adept in doing.
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iâd still be okay to keep Robbo as back up, to give Milos a breather at the end of matches where we have a comfortable lead, or as you said to start matches where thereâs not much right sided threat. But I donât think he wants that role. He still wants to start regularly, and unfortunately we canât really give him that role any more
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Season gone Robbo should have been 1st choice with Kerkez being introduced as the season wore on. This coming season Robbo could have then played 2nd fiddle to Kerkez had we offered him an extension which he may well have accepted imo.
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Robbo was past his best by date though.
We needed an upgrade.
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I totally agree as having him as a back up.
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Robbo was just not good enough defensively, thatâs why he didnât play against the best wingers.
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I mean in the title winning season Saka completely exposed him with a simple but sharp move.
I thought it was a bit unfair on Robbo as EVERY team doubles up on Saka and we shouldnât have left Robbo on an island like that.
But Kerkez pocketed him in both games in the same setup.
Robbo is better in possession, but our defence was porous enough and Milo is a better defender due to age, apart from when he puts his arms behind his back, grrrrrrrr
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Donât understand the fume about the hands behind the back thing. What do you want, needless penalties against us?
How many needless penalties do you see?
When defending as a player you need your arms for balance.
He has been sold a few times by a fake cross and a chop back as he both off balance and telegraphing that he is looking to block a cross rather than defend a dribble.
Try running around, changing direction with your arms behind your back!
I do that everyday. Itâs called Irish country dancing.
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A lot
It could be an interesting defensive tactic. Instead of grappling players at a corner, Riverdance.
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Hands down by your sides, not behind your back and no pattyfingers if you please.
If youâre going to have a CĂ©ilĂ, get the dance moves right.
Itâs official. Robbo is a Spud.
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Good luck in North London, big man!
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Good luck Robbo. Glad he gets to continue his career at the top level.
Well, itâs Spurs so maybe not the top level but close enough.
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