AFTER waiting decades for a truly world class player, Scotland now has two. The problem, however, is that they play in the same position with Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney among the best left backs operating at the top of the game right now. It is a very Scottish curse to have two players of such talent that won’t fit into the same national team lineup.
This isn’t to say Scotland boss Steve Clarke hasn’t tried. Jose Mourinho’s former assistant has adopted a back three with the purpose of accommodating both Robertson and Tierney with the former deployed as a wing back and the latter on the left side of the central defensive unit. Here the Arsenal man still has freedom to get forward.
However, Robertson’s recent form casts doubt on whether this tactical compromise is really worth it. While the 27-year-old was not so long ago considered one of the best in his position, helping Liverpool to the Champions League and Premier League titles in back-to-back seasons, he has been a shadow of his former self this term.
Andy Robertson will never be held to his mistakes and poor performances with Scotland purely because he is good with Liverpool
— KingHenky (@KingHenky) March 28, 2021
Of course, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool team has crumbled around Robertson over the past few months and so it’s understandable that he has struggled to maintain his performance levels, but he has contributed to the Anfield club’s troubles. Gone is the energy and zip that came to characterise the Scot down the left wing.
Tierney, on the other hand, has grown in stature at Arsenal. Along with Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, the 23-year-old has been one of the Gunners’ best and most impressive performers this season. What’s more, Tierney has carried this momentum into his displays for Scotland, shining in last week’s World Cup qualifying draw at home to Austria.
As national team captain, Robertson is untouchable in the minds of many. He is, after all, Scotland’s most high profile player, but the Liverpool full back has long struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage. Some rationale for this can be found in the stark contrast in quality around Robertson as a Liverpool player compared to when he’s with Scotland. Even taking this into account, he has underwhelmed and continues to do so – see the poor display against Israel.
Andy Robertson has not performed for Scotland since being given captain. FACT. pic.twitter.com/rSmplHFhPG
— Nathan (@nathangreennn) March 28, 2021
If Clarke has to pick between one or the other ahead of Euro 2020, Tierney should be the one who gets the nod. The majority of Scotland’s play comes down the left and so it’s crucial they have a dynamic and productive full back on that side. Tierney, as things stand, is that player. He has surpassed Robertson.
Clarke’s decision to switch to a back four for the second half of Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Israel hinted at the adoption of a more orthodox system for the Euros. Tierney was positioned at centre back, but Scotland would surely be better served with a more natural defender in that role. This leaves Robertson somewhat vulnerable.
Scotland v Austria | Pass Maps | Average Positions
Scotland looked good out of possession with a high press and high defensive line keeping Austria's defenders quite deep.
Robertson wasn't allowed to get forwards as much as they probably would have liked. Thought Tierney was pic.twitter.com/Jr5wIcIWAn
— Jaymes Monte (@ArabAnalytics) March 25, 2021
Despite a series of underwhelming performances for the national team, Robertson has established himself as one of Clarke’s favourites and that counts for a lot in the eyes of the former Kilmarnock boss. It often takes a huge swing in form for a player to force their way into the current set-up – look at how Kenny McLean continues to hold a spot in the squad over David Turnbull and Billy Gilmour.
There’s still time for Robertson to rediscover his best form before this summer’s Euros. Equally, there is time for Tierney to lose form, or for his injury fortunes to turn again. Clarke would be foolish to make any irreversible decisions this far out from the tournament, but there has been a shift in the dynamic on the left side of Scotland’s defence.
