In modern soccer, fullbacks play a crucial role in the team’s attack. For example, Manchester City’s Joško Gvardiol has more touches in the final third than some forwards in the Premier League. Another Premier League fullback, Antonee Robinson, is making the headlines for Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT, and rightfully so! Since providing an assist on his debut for USMNT in 2018, Robinson has delivered consistently for both club and country.

The Stars and Stripes manager shared his insights on the reinvented fullback role during the post-match conference, following USMNT’s 5-2 aggregate quarterfinal win over Jamaica. Pochettino was impressed, as the Fulham player delivered a solid performance and got an assist as well. “Antonee, it’s a position we always developed wherever we go in other teams looking always to have some diversity, especially on the buildup,” added the coach.

Regardless of the formations, having a wide player allows a team to stretch the opposition and create attacking positions, something that Robinson is executing ideally, as per the Argentine. The USMNT manager also hopes that Robinson will link up with full-back Joseph Scally in the future and design strategies as per the opposition. “We will have different plans, so we will look to play different and don’t give out too much information of our game plan to the opposition,” Pochettino mentioned. 

Antonee Robinson is arguably one of the best modern fullbacks of his generation. With so many teams nowadays playing man-to-man systems, managers often look for free players to receive passes and move the ball forward. The American excels in this role with his strong dribbling skills, and there’s no denying that he is currently in his prime.

The 27-year-old started his career at Everton, where he went out on multiple loan spells before moving to Fulham for around $2.5 million, and what a bargain it was! In the 2023/24 season, he was named Fulham’s Player of the Season, and there has been talk of whether moving to a big club will help him stand out more. 

Robinson to United/Liverpool?

As per Football Insider, the Premier League giants will make an offer in January, but Craven Cottage has no plans to let him go. For new Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim, Robinson could be a key player as his system relies heavily on fullbacks. At Anfield, there looms doubt over Trent Alexander Arnold’s contract situation, and Robinson could also replace the aging Andy Robertson. 

With the world at his feet, Robinson will be among the key players for USMNT at the upcoming 2026 World Cup at home. His price tag will only rise if the United States wins their fourth consecutive CONCACAF Nations League. With Fulham sitting just below the European spots in the Premier League, Robinson will be eager to maintain his strong form.