Jack Robinson today spoke of his joy after signing a new long-term contract at Liverpool Football Club. The left-back - who turned 18 in September - has got his reward for displaying huge promise during five first-team appearances. "I'm delighted," he told Liverpoolfc.tv. "I was going for my lunch and I saw Damien Comolli on my way through. He pulled me to one side and said the club wanted to offer me a new contract. There was no doubt in my mind, I was just so excited the club were offering me a contract. "I've just got to keep working hard in training. I can't just sit back on this contract. I've got to keep improving and showing people what I'm about." Robinson, who joined Liverpool at U10 level, became the club's youngest ever player after coming on as a substitute against Hull on the final day of 2009-10. His other four appearances have been under Kenny Dalglish, including a superb display to thwart Theo Walcott at the Emirates in April. Beforehand he received some words of encouragement from his manager. Robinson explained: "I was so nervous, but before I came on Kenny had a little joke with me and kept my nerves in the bag. I was fine going onto the pitch after that. It was a good challenge against Theo, and luckily I had a good game." Robinson faces stiff competition for a regular slot on the left side of Liverpool's defence, most notably from new signing Jose Enrique, who has impressed all with his form to date. "He's been fantastic in every game he's played," said Robinson. "I need to learn from him. He's the perfect role model because he's got everything as a left-back." And a word from Damien Comolli... Damien Comolli believes Jack Robinson has all the attributes to become a top player for Liverpool - and claims there are plenty more where he came from. The 18-year-old signed a new deal at Melwood on Monday afternoon having impressed during five first-team appearances. Director of Football Comolli told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He did very well when he played for the first team last year, especially against Arsenal (in April). Then he's done well again this year and he's done well for England, so it's fully deserved. He's bright, which is very important to succeed at the top level. He's dedicated, he's committed, he's very professional. He's one of those who is very positive and he listens to what other people have got to say, whether it's the manager or coaches or the fitness team. "I've just told him: it's a contract but you can't rest on your laurels. He's still got a long way to go, he's still got a lot of work to do physically, mentally, tactically and technically - all aspects he can improve. He knows this, but all the elements are there to make him a very, very good player." While Robinson faces a tough test to oust Jose Enrique from the left-back slot, Comolli has also revealed that the youngster will soon face even more competition. He explained: "We've got one or two more good left-backs at the Academy who are probably as good as Jack was at their age. There will be competition for Jack in a few years. The most important thing is that there's talent coming through. Hopefully the future of the club is bright on that side." The club invested in Enrique during the summer and Comolli thinks the Spaniard is an ideal role model for Robinson as he learns his trade. "Throughout last season we thought we could prepare Jack for the next two or three years and then he should be ready, and he's showing that," said Comolli. He's lucky enough to have people to look at like Jose Enrique and Fabio Aurelio, who's also a fantastic professional and a very good player with plenty of experience playing in Jack's position. He can look at them and see what they do. "At 18, he's the future of the club." Comolli oversaw our summer transfer activity as seven players arrived at Melwood. He believes the squad is now full of quality. "We've got a very competitive squad with a lot of players who can come in and play at the top level," he said. "It's quite a compact squad, it's not too big, but the competition is there in every position. It's good for the players, it's good for the club, and it's good for the young players because they know with Kenny they'll have a good chance." Some pictures... please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Good news Saying that though, for me he's one of those players that seems like he might not quite reach the standard required. Time will tell he's a young lad and has got potential.
He looked good at the end of last season. As the article says, he's got Enrique and Aurelio in the left-back slot and if he can learn from them, I think he will be a good player.
I think he's got a better future ahead of him than Flannagan. He seems quicker and a better tackler than Flannagan who does seem to dive in a lot. I think he's also a couple of years younger? The good thing is, unlike Insua when he was a similar age, he has plenty of time to play a few first team games here and there and learn from Enrique. Insua's development was stunted by being made into a first team player at 21 due to lack of available left back when he clearly wasn't good enough.
