Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken out about the threat possessed by Fulham ace Antonee Robinson, as the Reds look to continue their title charge on a crucial visit to Craven Cottage.
Liverpool moved one step closer to an elusive second Premier League crown with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday night. But ninth-placed Fulham will be another stern test, particularly after Marco Silva’s side earnt a well-deserved 2-2 draw at Anfield in December.
Robinson, a 27-year-old left-back, has been a stand-out performer for Fulham this campaign, attracting the attention of Liverpool among other high-profile Premier League clubs.
Arne Slot on Antonee Robinson ‘threat’
Slot said of Robinson in his press conference ahead of the clash against Fulham: “He is definitely a threat. I saw this when Fulham played Arsenal and against us. He is having a great season.”
Back in the reverse fixture, the Cottagers took the lead twice that day before Diogo Jota’s 86th -minute goal ensured a share of the spoils, with Robinson assisting both of Fulham’s goals to earn the man of the match award.
Liverpool need just 13 more points to ensure a record-equalling 20th league title, though it may be wrapped up sooner than that should Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal drop points.
Clashes with bottom-half West Ham United, Leicester and Tottenham Hotspur follow the Reds’ visit to Craven Cottage, but Slot’s side will look to waste no time in winning the points they need to secure the Premier League trophy.
Robinson may leave space for Mohamed Salah to attack at the other end
While Slot pointed to American international Robinson’s attacking prowess, he did state how his desire to get forward may be beneficial to Liverpool’s star man Mohamed Salah.
He said: “The good thing about a left-back who wants to attack is that he takes the risk of leaving Mo in a position where he can hurt you in transition. That has happened multiple times this season. We have to make sure we take care of that part and have a good answer to Robinson. Every team brings you challenges, and Fulham will do so also.”
But Salah’s form in recent weeks has been questioned, with critics saying that he didn’t show up when it mattered in crucial defeats against Paris Saint- Germain in the Champions League last 16 and in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United.
Following the Reds’ defeat at Wembley on March 16, Salah’s record in finals with Liverpool and Egypt became just two goals in 11 games, both goals coming from the penalty spot.
