Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson rightfully named Scotland captain

Andrew Robertson has skyrocketed to stardom in just over a year’s time – from relegation with Hull City to starting in a Champions League final with Liverpool. Here’s why this was the right choice for Scotland over Kieran Tierney, others.

The Scottish national team has had a void at captaincy since Celtic midfielder Scott Brown retired from international football in 2017. In a tweet released today, manager Alex McLeish and the Scottish National Team have announced Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson as the new holder of the armband.

This is a slight surprise, although Robertson’s performances with the national team (22 caps) and Liverpool showcase his merit. The surprise more comes from the fact that, since Brown’s retirement, other players have captained the side and were presumed favorites.

Robertson has only played at a world class level for less than a year, but he has quickly become a fixture in the lineup for Liverpool. His bombing runs down the flank and pinpoint crosses have been a delight for the Kop, and his growth and character has earned him high praise from everyone, including Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

In fact, back in April Klopp pushed for ‘Robbo’ to become the new captain, telling the press, “Scotland cannot make a mistake choosing Robbo.”

Fellow left-back Kieran Tierney was also in consideration for the armband. Although three years younger than the 24-year old Robertson, Tierney has cemented himself within the Tartan Army. Tierney captained the squad back in Netherlands in a friendly last November, and felt ready for the job.

When asked if he was ready to be Scotland’s new captain in April, Tierney replied, “I think myself, yes I would. But it’s not up to me at all.”

Tierney was correct, it was not up to him. But what pushed McLeish to choose Robertson, and what can fans expect from Robertson now that he is wearing the armband?

From an on-field perspective, they can expect a vocal leader. Liverpool fans were impressed from the outset last fall when the new signing Robertson, filling in due to injury, had no trouble yelling commands at a squad filled with proven, star players.

They can expect someone who will lead by example. One of the enduring clips from the season last year for Liverpool’s fans was Robertson’s lung-bursting press against Manchester City – starting in a left-back position and chasing them back all the way to a right-wing position.

And, of course, they will have a player who some have called the best left-back in the Premier League tamping down the defense and springing attacks from the flank.

They will also be getting a leader off the pitch. There is a reason the Scotland twitter account utilized that famous Alex Ferguson quote beyond him being the most famous Scottish manager. It is important that a captain can be a role model, and Robertson has done that in spades.

Most notably, last fall he gave a touching letter to a young Liverpool fan who had donated all his money to charity, humorously giving the fan a signed Roberto Firmino jersey as well, as “no one wants the left-back’s shirt.” Absolutely heart-warming.

Scotland has a bit of a good problem, having two class left-backs in Tierney and Robertson. This should entrench Robertson as the first choice, although Tierney’s quality should force him into the squad as well.

Scotland had several good options, but they chose the best option promoting Andrew Robertson to the armband. He is an inspired choice both on and off the pitch.