In the world of football, timing is everything. As the Copa America approaches next summer, US Men's National Team (USMNT) coach Gregg Berhalter is eager to see his key players in peak form. And one player who has caught Berhalter's attention is Antonee Robinson, Fulham's talented left-back.
Robinson's performances for both club and country have reached new heights in 2023, showcasing his consistency and impressive skills. His recent displays against Liverpool and Nottingham Forest have demonstrated his true potential, leaving a lasting impact on his team and opponents alike.
Fulham coach Marco Silva praised Robinson's top-level performance against Liverpool, highlighting his ability to be in the right position throughout the match. Robinson's raw pace, athleticism, and technical prowess have made him one of the Premier League's most effective attacking full-backs, a valuable asset in Silva's system.
Silva's preferred strategy involves triangulation in wide areas, with Robinson, left-winger Willian, and left-sided midfielder Andreas Pereira or Tom Cairney rotating. This dynamic combination allows Robinson to utilize his speed and understanding with Willian to create scoring opportunities through underlapping and overlapping runs.
In a recent match against Wolves, this strategy resulted in Robinson providing an assist for Alex Iwobi's opening goal and contributing to Willian's winning penalty. The same threat down the flank was evident against Liverpool, where Robinson's attacking prowess and link-up play with Iwobi troubled the opposition defense.
But Robinson's impact extends beyond attacking. He has also heeded his manager's call to improve his defensive abilities. His exceptional performance against Liverpool saw him make 13 interceptions, the most by any player in a Premier League game since the 2009-2010 season. The USMNT should be excited about Robinson's defensive contributions and his ability to frustrate prolific forwards like Mohamed Salah.
While Robinson is not yet flawless, he is eager to learn and respond to challenges. His dedication to improving his end product and enhancing his strengths is commendable. Robinson's agility, athleticism, and focus on delivering precise low crosses have been key to his success.
Moreover, Robinson's presence on the pitch allows veteran defender Tim Ream to focus on his defensive duties, as Robinson's athleticism often covers for him. This partnership has strengthened Fulham's defense and showcased Robinson's versatility.
The USMNT's recruitment of Robinson from Wigan Athletic for a mere £1.9 million ($2.4 million) has proven to be a shrewd move. If Robinson continues to develop at this rate, he could play a vital role in the USMNT's success this summer.
In conclusion, Antonee Robinson's rise to prominence at Fulham has made him a valuable asset for both club and country. His relentless pursuit of improvement and his contributions on both ends of the pitch make him a natural choice for Berhalter's USMNT squad. With Robinson in their ranks, the USMNT has a secret weapon that could help them achieve something remarkable in the upcoming Copa America.
