Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has tipped Cardiff City midfielder Alex Robertson to reach the Premier League, lauding the Bluebirds star's intelligence and technique amid a tremendous run of form.
The 23-year-old has been one of Cardiff's standout performers under Brian Barry-Murphy this season and sent another reminder of his quality with a stunning stoppage-time winner in Saturday's extraordinary 5-4 comeback victory over Burnley.
Fowler's Assessment
Robertson has established himself as an integral part of Barry-Murphy's side, with his technical ability, intelligence and composure in possession making him a key figure in the Bluebirds' midfield. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with former Liverpool striker Fowler believing the Australia international has all the attributes required to make the step up to the highest level.
Speaking to Australian outlet Football360, Fowler, who scored 183 Premier League goals for Liverpool, revealed he has followed Robertson's development closely since his loan spell at Portsmouth.
"I've watched a fair bit of Alex, even when he was at Portsmouth, and he's got a lot of aspects to his game I really like," Fowler said.
"There's that song 'The Kids Are Alright' (by The Who) and Alex fits right into that category. He had those loan spells when he was at Manchester City (to Ross County and then Pompey) and when I look at players like him, right there you see the future of Australian football."
"He's one of those lads who can break up play at one end and score wonderful goals at the other. He gets about the pitch really well, has really good technique, and plays with a lot of intelligence. I think he'll just continue to learn and improve because he's playing in a league (the Championship) where he can keep growing and refining his game. I feel he has that potential in him to go on and play at a higher level as time goes by."
International Situation
Fowler's glowing assessment comes at an interesting time for Robertson, whose performances for Cardiff have contrasted with a somewhat complicated situation on the international stage. Despite his excellent form in the Championship, Robertson will not be involved in Australia's forthcoming friendlies against Qatar and Jordan after withdrawing from selection for personal reasons.
His absence has raised questions among Socceroos supporters, particularly given his growing influence at club level and the fact he has made only three senior appearances for his country since making his debut in 2023. Robertson also missed Australia's fixtures against Brazil in the last international camp through injury, having withdrawn from September's squad because of an Achilles issue.
However, Australia head coach Tony Popovic has insisted there is no frustration towards the Cardiff midfielder and stressed that he remains firmly in his international plans. Popovic explained that Robertson had been selected for the latest international camp before making the decision not to travel.
"He was with us at the March camp in Australia, he was part of the extended squad for the World Cup. OK, he didn't make the final cut," Popovic said. "We called him in September, and in September he pulled out injured with an Achilles, he was playing so he didn't miss any games for Cardiff but he felt he needed to rest in that period. This camp he was selected again. So I'm constantly watching him, as the coaching staff are. We know he is a talented player."
"He's a player that we monitor closely and we had him in our thoughts. Obviously for this camp he was selected and obviously in September he was selected."
Eligibility and Future
Robertson's international situation has attracted attention in Australia for some time. The former Manchester City youngster made his first two appearances for the Socceroos in 2023 but had to wait until March this year for his third cap. There was also uncertainty over his international eligibility last year, when Popovic revealed that a paperwork issue had prevented Robertson from being considered for selection.
The midfielder remains eligible to represent England, Scotland and Peru, although his involvement with Australia has demonstrated his willingness to represent the Socceroos. Asked whether Robertson's latest absence had caused any frustration, Popovic was unequivocal in his response.
"No. I've always respected the players' decision. We've seen that with other players," he said. "I respected his decision. We had dialogue with him post-World Cup qualification that he wanted to make himself available. I respected the fact that in my first eight-nine months he wasn't available for selection. He made himself available after we qualified. I respect that."
"I respect the players who've chosen to go in a different direction and I certainly respect any decision he makes, whether it's his football and obviously when there's personal reasons, that's a matter for him. But the last camp he was ruled out through injury, so he was selected in September for the Brazil game."
Robertson has become an integral part of Cardiff's side and how they played. Bluebirds supporters will likely be relieved to hear that the midfielder, who has been carrying that Achilles issue, will get a fortnight's rest.
