Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has heaped praise on veteran defender Andy Robertson following a standout performance in the Reds' 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory at Wolves. The Scotland captain, who will turn 32 next week, proved instrumental in securing the win with a goal and an assist, showcasing his enduring quality and leadership on the pitch.
Robertson's Decisive Impact at Molineux
In a match where Liverpool sought redemption after a disappointing 2-1 league defeat at Molineux just days earlier, Robertson broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with a powerful 25-yard drive. Less than three minutes later, he delivered a precise cross for Mohamed Salah to fire into the roof of the net, effectively sealing the result. Curtis Jones added a third goal late on, rendering Hwang Hee-chan's added-time consolation irrelevant.
Slot's Admiration for the Full-Back's Commitment
"If you talk about a goal and an assist, the first player you think about is probably not a full-back," Slot remarked, acknowledging Robertson's unexpected offensive contributions. The manager emphasized Robertson's deep connection to the club, noting, "He loves the club and he loves to play in front of these fans. Robbo has, in the one-and-a-half years I am here, given everything for the club, and the fans will say he did it in all the years I was not here."
Slot further highlighted Robertson's defensive composure and ball-handling skills, stating, "He tries to give his best, defending well, calm with a lot of composure on the ball." This praise comes amid speculation that Robertson could have left Liverpool in January after a bid from Tottenham, underscoring his loyalty and value to the team.
Supporting Role for Young Talent
Beyond his own contributions, Robertson played a crucial supporting role behind 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who delivered a man-of-the-match performance in only his fifth senior start for Liverpool. Slot expressed admiration for the youngster's development, saying, "I think it is special if you are 17 and you played in a Premier League game – I know it is FA Cup but two Premier League teams – and are able to impact it in one v one situations."
The manager noted Ngumoha's improvement from the previous match, adding, "In my opinion, he did better than three days ago because he kept the ball more. Today he was even better in moments when he had to keep the ball. It's a nice game as you face five defenders, so defensively you don't have to do as much and can use all your energy for the attacking part."
Wolves' Acknowledgment of Liverpool's Superiority
Wolves head coach Rob Edwards conceded that facing Liverpool twice in four days was a formidable challenge. "Not a tough one to take, the better team won. They were really good tonight, and it was hard for us. No qualms or excuses, their level was excellent," Edwards admitted.
Reflecting on the match dynamics, he said, "At half-time, I was relatively happy; we were limiting them to long-range shots, but not too many efforts. The most frustrating thing for me was the timing of the second goal; that was the killer. We needed to remain in it longer, and that second one was really frustrating. That is the thing I am most disappointed in."
Edwards concluded, "A double-header against Liverpool is hard. For us to win one of those, we have to take that as a big positive. We tried tonight, but their level went up, and they made it very difficult." This result underscores Liverpool's resilience and Robertson's pivotal role in their FA Cup campaign, blending experience with emerging talent for a cohesive team effort.
