Andy Robertson and the importance of character
When Louis van Gaal was Manchester United manager he reflected that the English media and supporters tend to break the game down to the influence of personality rather than philosophy. The English are fairly interested in tactics and visions, the Dutchman argued, but often focus more on strength of character of player or manager. Van Gaal claimed we valued defiance in adversity more than measured strategy to avoid adversity.
Echoing his country’s love of an attacking philosophy, much of it shaped by the Ajax school and the great Johan Cruyff, Van Gaal had his specific approach but he also managed by character. Van Gaal’s a real character, one that many players warm to and want to play for. Character matters.
One of the joys of seeing Scotland qualify for the World Cup was how much it would mean for a character like Andy Robertson. All those sacrifices made, those moments when the pathway to the top looked only a cul de sac, were all worthwhile. Rejection by Celtic, rebuilding at Queen’s Park and Dundee United, relegation twice at Hull City were character-building. Robertson never lost his spirit, one of the reasons why Liverpool paid £8m in 2017. Even at 31, and with a 22-year-old £40m challenger, Robertson keeps fighting. Never complaining, just fighting for his place, for his team.