Football: High standards helping Liverpool's full backs fire, says Robertson

A day afterLiverpool'sAndyRobertsonmade his fourth assist of the Premier League season in Sunday's 3-1 victory over defending champions Manchester City, he issued a challenge to fellowfull-back Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The Scotland captain posted a short video clip on Twitter of himself smiling wryly with the caption "Realising you have more assists than @trentaa98" to which his teammate responded, "Come back in May."

The healthy rivalry between the Merseyside club's maraudingfull-backshas seen them create chances on par with some of the best forwards in the world, adding venom toLiverpool'salready potent attack as they chase a first league title in 30 years.

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"Me and Trent had big numbers last season in terms of contributing to goals and stuff, but it was more than that,"Robertson, 25, toldLiverpool'swebsite.

"Defensively we were also very good and this season we've tried to do the same. We just try and producehighstandardsin every single game ...it's not always possible."

Robertsonand England's Alexander-Arnold have combined for 30 league assists,15 each, since August 2018 when Liverpool began to hit top gear under manager Juergen Klopp.

In the 12 games, the pair have started this season, Liverpool have conceded 10 goals with only second-placed Leicester City (eight) and Sheffield United (nine) letting in fewer.

Robertsonhailed the remarkable progress of Liverpool-born Alexander-Arnold, who is not far behind him with three assists this season.

"Trent is 21 and he's producing performances unbelievably and hopefully he keeps that up,"Robertsonsaid.

"Hopefully the team keeps it up because we're doing well so far and there's confidence in that changing room."

More praise came from former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

"Some of Trent's passing is as good as a midfielder's. I've played with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso and I'd put him right up there," Crouch told the BBC in his role as an analyst.

"With what they do for this Liverpool team,Robertsonand Alexander-Arnold are redefining the wayfullbacksplay."