Rise of the Jedi

Only a handful of spots off a European spot, Fulham’s resurgence surprised many. Just like with Forest, their best players emerged out of the blue.

For the Cottagers, Antonee Robinson’s excellent play rivals that of the club.

Robinson spent the last few seasons as a quality left-back but has exploded this season into the best player at his position. Unlike Rayan Aït-Nouri, Robinson’s form coincided with his clubs, which has made him a more valuable fullback.

Built like a center-back, Robinson seems like an unlikely left-back. A physically imposing presence, the American plays the most complete game of any fullback. Having survived some tumultuous years with the Cottagers, Robinson now is pushing the club forward.

Currently second in the assist charts, the Everton Academy product creates some of the best chances for his teammates. Plenty of left-backs surrender defensive responsibility to become, essentially, secondary wingers, but not Robinson. The American finds himself as the most well-rounded player in the Prem.

Indeed, at this point, Robinson is drawing the eyes of larger clubs.

No club in the top six employs a fullback at the level of the American.

In terms of Premier League fullbacks, none this season rival Robinson. Yes, the selection of players’ profiles is rather poor, but the American is playing like a world-class left-back.

PHOTO: Fulham FC

Most expect wingers or midfielders to be the primary creators for their teams. After all, most managers build their offenses through them. For a fullback to essentially take that role is rare.

At the highest levels of the game, this happens less frequently, as oftentimes this occurs with more middling teams. Fulham continues to outperform expectations, sitting within touching distance of a European spot. Robinson’s ability to perform as he does for a competitive team is remarkable.

Not to imply that Aït-Nouri is a lesser player, but his performances take a knock because of the Wolves’ performance this season. Perhaps on Fulham, the Algerian outplays the American, but for now, Robinson is clearly the best fullback in the Premier League.

If the season ended today, how many other fullbacks in Europe could rank higher than the American? Bayern, Leverkusen, PSG, and both Milan clubs have players who are better, but Robinson falls just below them. Using Dimarco and Theo Hernández as the benchmarks, he likely falls just below them in the elite, but not the best on Earth tier.

Just in his prime, Robinson is at the peak of his abilities. While major improvements seem unlikely, he may be the perfect option for a top team looking for stability from their left-back. Andy Robertson’s decline means that Liverpool needs a more consistent left-back, and Jedi may be that perfect option.

Fulham’s great season sees responsibility shared everywhere, but Robinson deserves a great deal of it. 

Emerging as a top-class left-back, the American may be on the move in the summer.

Even as the modern footballing world attempts to redefine their position, fullbacks play their way. Robinson finds himself among the world’s best by playing the game as he sees fit.

While Mo Salah currently leads the assist table in the Premier League, the American is the only real competition, along with Damsgaard. For a fullback to keep pace with the league’s greatest ever player, it requires more than just perfect crosses. 

Jedi remains one of the best nicknames in the sport and fits Robinson to a T. At his position, he mastered so much that other fullbacks struggle with. Not only a great crosser, but the American plays very well with his midfield, making him a potent passer no matter where. 

Being intentional with your dribbling is an aspect that plenty of fullbacks have struggled with. Not quite needing the dribbling skills of a winger, but needing just enough to beat your man is a tight balance. To his credit, Robinson’s skills allow him to beat his man well enough, but he caps out at that point.

With his size and reading of the game, Jedi is one of the better defensive fullbacks in the Prem. Reminiscent of a younger Tomiyasu, he plays like a center-back on the wings. Being both a great tackler and interceptor, he makes it much easier on Fulham’s backline. 

Especially when Fulham needs to drop back, Robinson’s ability to switch and be flexible allows the team to close up space. In a way, his importance to this backline translated over from his time with the USMNT. For both club and country, Robinson’s role elevates his team defensively.

Most focus on his attacking prowess, which makes sense, given his elite output, but his defensive contributions are also great.

No other fullback in the league plays such a balanced game.

If Fulham reaches a European spot, Robinson’s development into the league’s best left-back will be a large reason for this.

The American became the ultimate threat on both sides of the ball. In the span of a few seasons, the padawan became a Jedi. 

PHOTO: Fulham FC