I agree with many of the sentiments above and I’d love to see Robinson given a go in the team. I certainly think he’s going to be a great player in the future and I’m delighted that – all being well – we have our LB position secure for the next decade.
However I can see why Rodgers hasn’t given him much of an opportunity so far. Primarily I think it comes down to Rodgers wanting a system that’s flexible. Playing Johnson LB and Wisdom at RB means the system can easily be changed to a three at the back as Wisdom can come inside. Furthermore, Johnson usually plays very high up the pitch and – in some games this season – has almost played like an outside left forward. This set-up requires a RB that can tuck inside comfortably so Agger can pull left. Wisdom is ideally suited to this, as would be Kelly if he were fit. I think this also explains why Wisdom has been preferred to Coates in a back three – because the formation can be changed easily without changing personal.
Robinson is at a disadvantage because he can’t play CB, unlike Wisdom/Kelly, so he doesn’t offer that stability and flexibility. If Johnson were injured and we had a more defensive full-back on the other side, I think we might see more of him. Likewise, when Lucas returns, the added solidity in CM will provide more defensive cover and allow us to unleash more attacking full-backs. We might then get to see Robinson on the left and Johnson on the right.
However I can see why Rodgers hasn’t given him much of an opportunity so far. Primarily I think it comes down to Rodgers wanting a system that’s flexible. Playing Johnson LB and Wisdom at RB means the system can easily be changed to a three at the back as Wisdom can come inside. Furthermore, Johnson usually plays very high up the pitch and – in some games this season – has almost played like an outside left forward. This set-up requires a RB that can tuck inside comfortably so Agger can pull left. Wisdom is ideally suited to this, as would be Kelly if he were fit. I think this also explains why Wisdom has been preferred to Coates in a back three – because the formation can be changed easily without changing personal.
Robinson is at a disadvantage because he can’t play CB, unlike Wisdom/Kelly, so he doesn’t offer that stability and flexibility. If Johnson were injured and we had a more defensive full-back on the other side, I think we might see more of him. Likewise, when Lucas returns, the added solidity in CM will provide more defensive cover and allow us to unleash more attacking full-backs. We might then get to see Robinson on the left and Johnson on the right.
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