Marco Silva is right – Antonee Robinson is one of the best left backs in the world

Not many full backs have managed to keep Bukayo Saka quiet this season, but Antonee Robinson made it look easy. The Fulham defender was strong defensively as the Cottagers held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw on Sunday. The USMNT man also gave Marco Silva’s team an attacking outlet going forward down the left side, as he is wont to do.

This wasn’t an isolated case of Robinson being one of the best players on the pitch. It can be firmly argued that the 27-year-old has been Fulham’s most consistent performer this season with Silva hailing him as one of the best in his position. Sunday was proof of the standard Robinson is operating at.

“He’s been great for us,” said the Fulham boss, highlighting Robinson’s display. “He’s one of the best left-backs in this league. It’s not just the way he is able to stop players, but the way he is able help ourselves. In open play last season he was the full-back in this league with most assists and this season is probably one of the full-backs with the most assists.

“He’s a top player and a great professional. He’s a proper athlete and is improving in some defensive positions we want him to improve. He’s improving season by season, and week by week you can see he is improving, and we are really proud to have him with us.”

In his current form, there is no better orthodox left back in the Premier League than Robinson. While teams like Arsenal and Manchester City tend to use central defenders in wide positions, Robinson gives Fulham a funnel into the attacking third through his mobility and willingness to get forward.

Robinson has improved all areas of his game over the last few seasons. It wasn’t so long ago that his crossing was considered a weakness, but he has done a lot to sharpen his deliveries into the box. Indeed, Robinson’s crossing has become a key part of how Fulham create opportunities as an attacking outfit.

In possession, Robinson has also improved. Fulham might not have the highest average possession share in the Premier League, but Silva likes his team to have the ball and Robinson is comfortable playing his part in build-up. The American has been integral to the Cottagers’ success over the last two campaigns. 

Mauricio Pochettino has clearly watched a lot of Robinson since his appointment as US Men’s National Team head coach. The Argentine deployed the left side as someone who could tuck into midfield in the last international window and sees Robinson as a central pillar of his team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Christian Pulisic is the USMNT member currently playing at the highest level having made himself AC Milan’s main man, but Robinson isn’t far behind him. Pochettino has always placed a tactical emphasis on full backs and in Robinson he has a left back capable of making a difference at the elite level of the game.

Tentative speculation has linked Robinson with a move away from Craven Cottage. Liverpool are believed to be admirers of the 27-year-old and with Andy Robertson now into the twilight of his career there might be an opening for Robinson to make himself a first team figure for the Premier League table-toppers.

Manchester United could also be in the market for a new left-sided operator after the appointment of Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach has adopted a back three with wing backs and Robinson would be a good fit for the role on the left side which would give him the freedom to get forward and join the attack.

For now, though, Robinson must focus on pushing Fulham up the Premier League table. The Cottagers are on course for a top-half finish and have made genuine progress under Silva. If they can find a way to add another dimension to their attack, the Craven Cottage outfit could even force their way into continental qualification.

Robinson has a lot to look forward to as one of the best left backs in the Premier League, as his manager calls him. At 27, he is entering the best years of his career. He is a key player for a club on an upward trajectory and is preparing for the 2026 World Cup on home soil as a USA international.