Andy Robertson wouldn’t assume twice about clattering Virgil van Dijk or Cody Gakpo if it helps Scotland get a end result against the Dutch.
Certainly, former Liverpool and England big name Phil Thompson never did when he got here up against his clubmates in the international arena. The Liverpool trio of Robertson, van Dijk and Gakpo clash when the Netherlands and the Scots meet in a so-called friendly in the Johan Cruyff Arena tomorrow night. And Thompson is awaiting fireworks – with no quarter given.
The former Anfield superstar said: “Andy is a top seasoned and he will do anything it takes to assist his team to win the game. If it ability clattering Cody or Virgil then he will do that. Cody will be looking to feature as well. Andy will in all likelihood be in extra direct opposition to Cody than Virgil, though the huge man loves to come up for set-plays. Virgil and Cody will recognize what is coming. I would expect that as a team-mate as well, knowing the way that Andy approaches each game.
Andy has proven in his Liverpool career he is prepared to go head-to-head and face-to-face with some of the best. He has clattered the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez and put them on their backsides and his Liverpool mates will be no specific when it comes to supporting Scotland to get a result. Andy has shown he doesn’t care for reputations and has taken some of the great attackers in the game to mission and left them on the again foot.”
Thompson is aware of from trip what it can be like playing against his Liverpool mates having to face gamers such as Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness when Scotland met England.
He said: “It’s always been the case. I take into account returned in the day when I used to be captain of England. And we had Phil Neal, Terry McDermott and Ray Kennedy all in the one side and maybe enjoying in opposition to Scotland and Alan Hansen, Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish.
We knew when we performed them there was once no quarter given or requested in these games. We had a chat before the game but once we crossed the line that was it. We have been on special facets and you desired to win. You didn’t get much larger than England v Scotland“That was massive stakes and I was once without delay up in opposition to Kenny – and I don’t think either of us ever shirked a handle or a challenge. Andy, Virgil and Cody will be the same for those 90-odd minutes and then after the game they will be again to being buddies and team-mates.”
Robertson and van Dijk will lead their respective teams out in Amsterdam. But after those final handshakes, Thompson knows their Anfield friendships will go out the window for 90-odd minutes. And he said: “It’s tremendous to see pinnacle players at club stage go head-to-head for their countries“Virgil’s taken to the captaincy extremely nicely at Liverpool and has had the armband at Holland for pretty a while. It’s splendid to have the Scotland and Dutch captains taking part in for Liverpool. It will be appropriate to see them taking part in against each different and understanding them both they will both be looking the win.”
Robertson is a key discern for Scotland and he has now come to be simply as crucial for the Reds, insists Thompson.
He said: “Andy has grown in stature over the years. He has played constantly at the best degree in the Champions League, Europa League and the Premier League. He’s picked up that trip by way of playing in these top video games and also by prevailing some of these trophies. Andy was once Scotland captain before Steve Clarke came in however you can see why the manager’s saved him in location and deemedhim useful of leading the country.
“Andy’s time as captain has in all likelihood coincided with the Scotland crew having their best spell for a quantity of years. But I don’t assume that it is a coincidence.”
Former Celtic star van Dijk is additionally some other stalwart for Jurgen Klopp as the manager chases farewell European and Premier League trophies to go with their League Cup. Thompson said: “Virgil has been excellent for Liverpool. He is probable the nice centre-back in Europe at this second in time. I think he has also kicked on for the reason that he has been given the captaincy at Liverpool.
“Some people can’t cope with the pressures however Virgil has lifted his stage up to the subsequent level.”
Thompson believes that the Dutch pleasant will see a lot of Liverpool fans tuning in to see some of their heroes on worldwide duty. And the Reds legend added: “It is a correct game. Holland have struggled but they appear to be making amazing strides forward like Scotland below Steve Clarke. t will actually be interesting from a Liverpool point of view
