Scotland slumped to a 4-0 defeat to Belgium in their latest international disappointment.
Considering that three of the four goals were scored in the first half, Steve Clarke’s side are lucky to have escaped without a heavier margin of defeat. The Belgians simply outclassed the home side.
The Belgians were outstanding. (Photo by Alex Morton – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
After a poor night against Russia, Liverpool ace Andy Robertson had a point to prove against the Belgians. Sadly for him, whilst there was improvement from the Russia game, it wasn’t enough to make an impact on proceedings.
Some Scotland fans have reacted to the full-back’s performance.
#SCOBEL What have we learned tonight :
We're not very good.
Clarke doesn't know best team.
Clarke doesn't know best formation.
Mulgrew, Phillips, O'Donnell, Snodgrass are not the answer.
Andy Robertson needs to settle in captains role.
Griffiths must play up front when fit.— Martin Low (@strathmart) September 9, 2019
Andy Robertson looking every bit the Queens Park player tonight at Hampden
— G (@c9gran1) September 9, 2019
Robertson is struggling with captaincy i think too for @ScotlandNT , seems like he noised them all up with comments after last match and looks like hes putting too much pressure on himself during last 2 matches. Christie was a plus point though, always trying something.
— RussellBoyce (@RussellBoyce1) September 9, 2019
Unpopular opinion: Greg Taylor is a far better option for Scotland than Andy Robertson.
— Jamario (@J4M4RIO) September 9, 2019
Tonight’s the night where everyone sees how MILES oot Andy Robertson is as a fitba player. Nae Virgil keepin ye right the night son. #SCOBEL
— Strainy (@bstrain11) September 9, 2019
Andy Robertson is so below average in a scotland shirt
— Calum Flockhart (@_cflock1_) September 9, 2019
Robertson has a different role with Scotland
It hasn’t been a great set of games for Robertson. They have highlighted clear weaknesses in his game, especially defensively.
Robertson struggled defensively. (Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Some wonder why his performances are a contrast to what they are like for Liverpool. Perhaps the reason comes down to how both sides set up.
At Anfield, Robertson is given free license to roam forward and get crosses into the box. He’s more like a wing-back due to the nature of his attacking role.
With Scotland though, he has to adjust his game a bit to become more defensive. It means that he doesn’t have as many opportunities to go forward, which puts him under more pressure defensively.
Robertson has a different role at Anfield compared to Scotland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
This has lead to him making some errors going back the way. His positioning has been off at times and he has been beaten in one on one situations a few times.
Overall, Robertson will likely have some regrets looking back on these fixtures. He’ll hope to pick up his form at Liverpool following a demoralising spell away with the national side.