Alex Robertson is a Scottish born, Australian international midfielder, schooled in the Manchester City academy where he scored 13 goals with 5 assists in 25 appearances for their U-18 side, before making appearances for their U-23’s at 18 years old, followed by a short loan spell at Scottish side Ross County in the 21/22 season and is currently flourishing on loan at Portsmouth FC, recently scoring his first ever senior goal against Burton Albion.

Robertson stands at 182cm, has broad shoulders and a slight leggy stride, not rapid over shorter or longer distances but quick enough to get across and put pressure onto the opposition. Impressively he can maintain speed over longer distances, carrying the ball extremely well and using his broad frame and upper body strength to hold off challenges from recovering midfielders, and has the quick feet, close control, and agility to shift away from tackles in tighter areas.

Robertsons’ scanning ability particularly shines and plays a big part in his game, he intelligently checks his shoulder when receiving, collecting information of where to position himself to protect the ball or shift away from the incoming pressure off his first touch to open up the pitch, showing just how positive a midfielder he is. It’s clear that he knows his strengths and weaknesses and negates a slightly lack of explosiveness with awareness and clever timing to create the separation needed to get away from the opposition.

As well as scanning pre touch, he constantly checks his surroundings and is quick to move into positions to receive the ball, making small adjustments to create passing lanes for himself or dragging his marker away to open them for others and seems to grow in confidence by the game. Capable of playing off one and two touches, showing great vision to play passes through the lines or short flicks around opposition pressure and very capable from a set piece, he has plenty in his arsenal to feed attackers with his weighting of pass into runners being a particular strength.

Alex shows confidence and composure above his years, he isn’t afraid to play under pressure and has a real trust in his ability, if he spots a gap to perform a positive carry or pass forward, he takes it and is often accurate, there have been games this season where the opposition have to bring him down to stop him, such is his ability with the ball.

In a midfield pivot he will need to improve on his defensive positioning, although he works hard for the team and reads the game well enough to make interceptions. He could be caught slightly high leaving space behind and will want to improve on his ability to track runners that go beyond him, part of the reason I think he’s best suited in a freer role in a midfield three but clearly is still very capable in a slightly more defensive position.

Off the field, during interviews Roberston speaks well is humble and has a quiet determination, already mentioning the need to work hard to improve, whilst praising teammates for allowing him to play his game shows a real glimpse into his character.

I don’t think it’s unfair to say Robertson is already showing he’s ready for the next step in his football career, whether that be for Manchester City or not, I think we can expect another Scottish born Robertson to be playing Premier League football very soon.