When Liverpool signed Andy Robertson from relegated Hull City, few could have predicted the rapid trajectory he would have under Jürgen Klopp. Within a short space of time, it became obvious that Liverpool didn’t just find under-the-radar value in the Scotsman but also the potential to be one of the best in the world.
The rest is history. Robertson has become a staple of Liverpool’s success over the years, and it’s difficult to imagine the left side of the Reds’ defense without him. But every era must ultimately come to an end, and sooner or later, so will Robertson’s.
Liverpool is already seeing signs of it being on the horizon. In the last few months since Klopp has tweaked his system to make Trent Alexander-Arnold into an inverted full-back, Robertson has struggled to adjust to the new demands his position and role now requires.
It is a worthy argument that if Liverpool will persist with the new system, the club would be better suited to signing a left-sided center-back capable of playing as a full-back who is very composed on the ball and also defensively more disciplined than Robertson.
Of course, that is easier said than done. There are few options of that ilk in the market with left-sided center-backs already a rare commodity, not to mention those who can also play left-back.
Of course, that is easier said than done. There are few options of that ilk in the market with left-sided center-backs already a rare commodity, not to mention those who can also play left-back.
Fortunately, there are four spaces left in the homegrown spots, and there is a player who coincidentally happens to play for Robertson’s former club, Hull City, who might just be perfect for the role.
Few will have heard of Jacob Greaves, but the 22-year-old Hull City center-back is definitely someone to keep an eye on.
Standing at 1.93m (6ft 4in) tall and composed on the ball, he has the kind of profile Liverpool would admire, and which would suit Klopp’s style of play.
Last season, Greaves played both as a center-back and as a left-back for Hull City, and stood out for his composure on the ball. Among center-backs in the Championship, he completed 60.16 passes per 90 which ranked him in the 86th percentile, as per FBref.
Strong in the air and defensively as well, he ranked in the 96th percentile among his positional peers in the Championship for aerial duels won, averaging 3.05 per 90. He demonstrated that aerial prowess in the opposition’s box as well, scoring four goals and registering two assists last season.
