Football writer Adrian Clarke analyses Andy Robertson's stellar career at Liverpool and assesses what he can add to Tottenham Hotspur after joining the north London club.
A true Liverpool great
There will be many people who feel Andy Robertson, a virtual ever-present during a hugely successful period for Liverpool, is one of the world's greatest left-backs.
He is the best Liverpool have had in the Premier League era for sure; in terms of the best in the club's entire history, Alan Kennedy — the scorer of two European Cup-winning goals — is Robertson's main competition.
Trophy-wise, Robertson won it all in Liverpool colours — the Premier League (twice), the UEFA Champions League, the FA Cup, the League Cup (twice) and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Watch: The BEST of Robertson at Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s high-intensity football was tailor-made for the tenacious Scot.
Flying up and down the flank, in and out of possession with equal enthusiasm, his energetic style married perfectly with the tone and tactics of the German’s outstanding side.
It was a match made in heaven.
At his peak, Robertson was also greatly admired by other head coaches around the world.
After his side had lost 3-1 to Liverpool in December 2018, Manchester United's manager at the time, Jose Mourinho said: "They are fast, they are intense, they are aggressive, they are physical, they are objective.
"They play 200 miles per hour with and without the ball. I am still tired from looking at Robertson. He makes 100-metre sprints every minute, absolutely incredible."
A running machine
Robertson’s amazing energy levels set him apart from most full-backs during his peak years.
In the 2020/21 season, he ran a total of 389.3km, which was the second-furthest distance by any full-back, finishing just behind Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling.
Noted for his sprinting ability, Robertson topped the Premier League full-backs' sprint charts for three successive seasons between 2019 and 2022.
PL full-backs with the most sprints
Season Player Sprints 2019/20 Robertson 567 Digne 438 Chilwell 427 2020/21 Robertson 843 Digne 583 Coufal 574 2021/22 Robertson 656 Cash 648 Cucurella 599
Robertson's pressing has always been relentless, and it is a trait which will instantly adhere him to Spurs supporters.
He famously earned the affection of the Anfield fans with a sensational 13-second press in a 4-3 win against Manchester City in January 2018.
Closing down Bernardo Silva, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Ederson and Nicolas Otamendi in one outrageous, continuous sprint, the tigerish Scotland international produced one of the most iconic pieces of defending seen in the history of the Premier League.
Watch: Robertson's incredible pressing v Man City
Stellar stats
Only two Premier League full-backs have ever produced 10+ assists in three different seasons: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Robertson in 2018/19, 2019/20 and 2021/22.
Liverpool full-backs' PL assist totals
Season Robertson Alexander-Arnold 2018/19 11 12 2019/20 12 13 2021/22 10 12
Robertson has been the leading Premier League left-back in a wide variety of metrics since the start of 2017/18, the first season after his reported £8million transfer from Hull City to Liverpool.
During that period he is ranked first in a string of attacking departments, including chances created, touches in the opposition box, big chances created and successful passes ending in the final third.
He has a fabulous 56 assists to his name (the most by any Premier League left-back).
Aston Villa’s Lucas Digne is the only left-back with more successful open-play crosses.
How Robertson's attacking stats rank among PL left-backs since 17/18
Statistic Total Left-back rank Defender rank Touches in opp. box 612 1st 1st Chances created (inc. assists) 430 1st 2nd Big chances created 88 1st 2nd Assists 56 1st 2nd Open-play crosses 973 1st 2nd Succ. open-play crosses 191 2nd 3rd Succ. passes ending in final third 4,000 1st 1st
Scroll across on mobile to see the full table
So is Robertson the Premier League’s greatest left-back ever?
Arsenal and Chelsea legend Ashley Cole perhaps shades him for that accolade, but few would argue that Robertson is only just behind Cole in the pecking order.
Why are Spurs signing Robertson?
Spurs were one of many suitors looking to persuade Robertson to join them on a free transfer when his Liverpool contract expires at the end of the month.
The north London club reportedly tried to recruit him in January, a move which fell through when Liverpool could not recall Kostas Tsimikas from his loan spell with Roma.
New Spurs head coach Roberto de Zerbi was keen to revive the deal, and after fighting off reported interest from Juventus, he has secured the services of the 32-year-old.
Spurs already have Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence as left-back options, but their dressing room is currently light on senior figures and strong role models. "He brings experience, mentality and qualities," De Zerbi said after the signing was announced. "He's a big player for us."
Watch De Zerbi on what Robertson brings
Robertson is a serial winner, accustomed to high standards being kept on and off the pitch, and knows how to drive the culture needed to achieve success.
That is a very attractive quality Spurs need right now after back-to-back 17th-place finishes.
Robertson’s vast experience, strong character and burning desire to win is likely to have a positive impact.
Can he reach the lofty heights of old?
Robertson, 32, will lead Scotland at the FIFA World Cup 2026, so he has plenty to offer in the short term.
In 2025/26, he started 11 Premier League games for Liverpool, making a further 13 substitute appearances. Across all club competitions, he was involved in 35 matches.
Robertson will provide great width and balance for Spurs, and although he does not surge into the opposition penalty area as often as he once did, the Scot will still get forward.
Robertson’s heat map from the season which has just ended (below) shows how attack-minded he remains.
Robertson’s numbers are also still impressive.
In terms of tackling, productivity from crosses and chance creation per 90 minutes, he outperformed every Spurs defender in 2025/26.
For this reason, Robertson can quickly establish himself as a regular starter for his new club.
Robertson v Spurs left-backs 25/26*
Passes played into box Tackle success Robertson 5.07 Robertson 75.00% Spence 2.67 Spence 61.36% Udogie 1.75 Udogie 61.29%
Succ. open-play crosses Chances created Robertson 0.92 Robertson 1.54 Spence 0.44 Spence 0.81 Udogie 0.34 Udogie 0.44
*Stats per 90 mins
This feels like a very astute signing from Spurs, who are guaranteed to benefit from the quality and leadership skills Robertson will bring.
He may not be at the peak of his powers anymore, but Robertson has the class and personality required to raise standards on and off the pitch.
De Zerbi wants intelligent, technical players who also play with determination and courage. The 32-year Scot certainly ticks those boxes.