Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has suggested that one of his big achievements this season was keeping Arsenal star man Bukayo Saka quiet.
The Scot is expected to be on the pitch on Saturday evening as the Reds attempt to seal their seventh Champions League crown against Real Madrid. Should the Merseysiders be successful in Paris, then they would be completing a hugely impressive cup treble having previously lifted the FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season.
Robertson has been key to that success having made a mammoth 46 appearances in all competitions. He has been very productive going forwards this season with three goals and 15 assists to his name, scoring against Wolves on the final day of the campaign.
Despite that, the former Hull City man has suggested that his defensive contributions have been more impressive - with his interventions up against Bukayo Saka in the Reds’ 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium particularly sticking in his mind.
Speaking with The Times ahead of the Champions League final at the Stade de France, he said: “The goal involvements have been big. Not as much has been said about that, so maybe I have not taken as much confidence from that this season.
“I have taken more confidence from games where I have not had goal involvements. For instance, Arsenal away is always one I go to.
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“I know how good [Bukayo] Saka can be and I know in that game I managed to keep him quiet. That was not a big factor in us winning, but a big factor in Arsenal not winning because he is one who sets the tone for Arsenal.
“He is so direct, creates chances and I know in that game I managed to keep him quiet. Another one, maybe Man Utd at home. Two goals, the third and the fourth, I won the ball back. I start the goals off but you don’t get a stat for that.”
Saka has certainly been a stand-out star for Arsenal and England over the past season. Despite being just 20-years-old, he has established himself as one of the most effective widemen in the Premier League this term with 11 goals and seven assists to his name for the Gunners.
Intriguingly, Saka has been linked with a move to Anfield over the past few months as the Reds attempt to find potential replacements for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, who are out of contract in 2023.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was previously highly complimentary of the young forward. He said: "You can see they [Arsenal] brought a few new faces in; some found, obviously, their striking feet back. And apart from that, young and exciting players as well with [Emile] Smith Rowe and Saka and all these kinds of things."
