Since becoming the youngest ever player, at just 16 years and 250 days, to play for Liverpool Football Club back in 2010 (the record has since been broken), Jack Robinson has failed to progress as many thought he would.
His second performance as a Red was outstanding. Coming on to replace the injured Fabio Aurelio at the Emirates, a 17-year-old Robinson faced up well against the likes of Theo Walcott, and even managed to get into the Premier League's Team of the Week. Just a week later, he made his first ever start, and things were looking bright indeed.
However, with Jose Enrique's signature came dwindling opportunities. He made just two appearances throughout 2011-12, both in the League Cup. When Brendan Rodgers came to Anfield in the summer of 2012, things began to look up again for the youngster. Robinson was promoted to back-up left-back, and yet still found chances hard to come by. To help him, he was sent on loan to Wolverhampton Wanderers from January and became an integral part of a relegation-battling side. Ultimately, they couldn't avoid the drop but Robinson was highly-regarded by the Wolves fans. He earned some rave reviews, in particular receiving Man of the Match in a 1-0 win against promotion candidates Hull City.
For 2013-14, it was decided that he should be sent on loan to another Championship side as the Reds encourage his progression. Things did not go to plan. Fair to say, Robinson's loan at Blackpool wasn't exactly successful. Hampered by defensive errors and injuries, Robinson earned three red cards for rash decisions and despite making 36 appearances at the Seasiders, his discipline was a major issue. He missed his chance to impress, and it seemed as though all his hard work had been thrown away.
Yet, Brendan Rodgers gave him a chance to revive his hope of making it at Liverpool by including him in the squad to tour America. His first real pre-season performance came against AS Roma, when he was brought on at half-time and he proved that the Ulsterman was perhaps right to bring him along. Other than the fact the late Italian goal nutmegged him before going in, Robinson was solid on the left. As a result, he was again brought on as a half-time substitute against Olympiacos and repeated the feat. He was comfortable on the ball, defensively solid and also frequently pushed forward. Robinson began to establish himself as a possible candidate for defensive cover next season, that was until Jesus Navas came along.
For a third consecutive game, Robinson was introduced at the break, but against City his performance was altogether different. He got off to a good start, bursting into the box after Daniel Sturridge's clever flick, only for Joe Hart to comfortably save his effort. From there, it all went downhill. The lively and energetic Spanish winger who had tormented Jose Enrique in the first half, enjoyed acres of space down the left and the over-exposed Robinson was simply outclassed. It was a baptism of fire for the 20-year-old and it didn't do his credentials any favours whatsoever. It was Navas who played a huge part in both goals. For the first, he danced past the flat-footed Robinson to fire a cross into the near post that fell to Jovetić to deftly poke home. For the second, Robinson stood off the Spaniard, expecting a cross, but instead the winger pulled it back to the edge of the box and a shot fortunately fell to the feet of Jovetić, who again tucked away neatly. To his credit, he made some positive attacking runs but too many times he was beaten in the individual duels, allowing Navas to get to the byline and cause some panic, something Rodgers can ill afford next season.
What next? It's likely Robinson's future is still up in the air. Rodgers will be keen to give him some more game time over the coming friendlies, in order to evalute it. What's likely, is that the left-back's time is more or less up at Anfield. With Liverpool closing in on Alberto Moreno, Jose Enrique returning from injury and Jon Flanagan's impressive deputy performances at the left last season, Robinson could find himself as low as fourth choice, and clearly he would be best served elsewhere. Be that as it may, the English u21 international is unlikely to give in so easily. He may have enough to convince his suitors to loan him out again, in an attempt to finally start seeing the progression he promised when he first broke into the team.
The man himself has spoken of his desire to emulate Flanagan, who become a cult hero at Anfield last season. At the age of just 20, he has time on his side. However, if Liverpool land Moreno, who is just 22 himself, then chances are he'll find a starting berth very hard to come by.
Robinson certainly has the attributes to do well, with his intentful runs down the flank making him a difficult opponent to mark, and his positioning is also admirable. Still, his tendency to dive into the tackle and the home-grown player isn't ready to challenge for a spot yet. Whether the decision is adjourned for another year, and Robinson goes on loan again, remains to be seen but he is going to have to keep his wits about him. Still, reports suggest he has been very impressive in training and that Rodgers is impressed with the young man's attitude. He has a long way to go until he can convince Rodgers and everyone else at the club that he's the right man for the job, but given the chance, he might just show his worth.