Football is full of moments that remind us why the game is not only about goals, trophies, and records but also about resilience, character, and the never-ending fight to prove yourself again and again. On a cool night in Copenhagen, Scotland walked away with a valuable point in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The game itself was not packed with goals or wild drama, but it had one storyline that captured attention from both Scottish and Liverpool fans alike. That storyline belonged to Andy Robertson, the captain of Scotland and the vice-captain of Liverpool, a man who has been pushed to the shadows at Anfield this season but stood tall for his country when it mattered.
For months, Robertson has been living in a strange place in his career. Since arriving at Liverpool from Hull City for just £8 million back in 2017, he has been nothing short of a revelation. He fought his way into the team, became first choice left-back, and over the years lifted seven major trophies including two Premier League titles and the Champions League. He became a fan favorite because of his energy, his fighting spirit, his endless running down the wing, and his ability to deliver crosses that could cut any defence open. But football is ruthless, and in the summer of 2025, Liverpool signed Milos Kerkez for £40 million. Suddenly, Robertson, who had been an automatic starter for years, found himself pushed down the pecking order.
The new season started and week after week, Robertson’s name was not on the team sheet. He was still the vice-captain, still respected by the dressing room, but he was not starting games. At 31 years old, he faced the reality of competition, and for many players, this would have been the beginning of the end. But Robertson is not just any player. He has always carried a fighter’s spirit, a hunger to prove doubters wrong. And when Scotland faced Denmark in their opening World Cup qualifying match, he had his chance to remind the football world that class is permanent.
As Scotland walked onto the pitch in Copenhagen, Robertson led them as captain. The task was not easy. Denmark are a strong side, with players across Europe’s top leagues, and they were expected to test Scotland heavily. But Robertson’s presence was felt from the start. He didn’t look like a man short of minutes. He looked like a man determined to show everyone that he still belonged at the highest level. He patrolled the left flank with authority, defending when he had to and pushing forward whenever the opportunity arrived.
The match ended in a goalless draw, but it was far from a dull affair. Scotland created chances through John McGinn and Ryan Christie, who both came close, while Denmark also threatened. In the end, the spoils were shared, and Scotland earned an important away point to open their campaign. But what stood out to the media, the fans, and the pundits was Robertson’s performance.
The Scotsman gave him an 8 out of 10 rating, describing him as a player whose class remains untouched no matter the circumstances. They noted how he was fairly quiet in the first half going forward but grew into the game, delivering tantalising crosses into the penalty box that deserved a finishing touch. The Herald agreed, also giving him an 8, praising the way he consistently provided enticing deliveries all game, looking sharp and fresh despite barely playing for Liverpool this season.
Even the Daily Record, while slightly more cautious, praised him with a 7.5, pointing to an incredible cross in the second half that should have been buried. The Edinburgh Evening News gave him a 7, admitting he was quiet early on but worked tirelessly and improved after the break. The only real criticism came from the Daily Mail, who gave him 6.5, pointing to sloppy moments in possession early in the game, though even they admitted he got the better of Denmark’s dangerous winger Dreyer for the most part.
The media reaction told its own story. For a player who had been sidelined at club level, Robertson looked anything but rusty. He looked motivated, hungry, and ready to remind the world that he is still one of the best left-backs of his generation.
But Robertson’s story is not just about performances on the pitch. This summer, he faced serious transfer speculation. With Kerkez arriving and taking his spot, Atletico Madrid were strongly interested in taking him to Spain. Many players at his age and with his achievements might have chosen to accept the move, to take on a new adventure in La Liga. Yet Robertson chose differently. He chose to stay.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he explained it simply. “We had options and we just worked through it as a family,” he said. “Everything boiled down to that my heart was still in Liverpool and we wanted to stay. We’re very settled there and we’re at one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
That quote tells everything about Robertson. He is not a player who runs at the first sign of competition. He is not someone who is chasing money or a new experience just for the sake of it. His heart remains at Liverpool, the club that gave him a platform to become one of the best in the world, and he wants to fight for his place.
For Liverpool fans, this is emotional. Robertson has been part of the club’s greatest moments in recent history. His battles down the flank with Trent Alexander-Arnold on the opposite side created one of the most dangerous full-back pairings football has ever seen. His energy symbolised the spirit of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, a team that never gave up, a team that pressed until the very last minute, a team that believed in each other. To imagine him leaving would have been painful. His decision to stay, even as Kerkez steps into the spotlight, speaks volumes about his loyalty and his desire to fight for the shirt.
Now, his performance against Denmark will only strengthen his case. Arne Slot is building his own Liverpool, and competition is part of football. But with Robertson showing he can still deliver on the international stage, the message is clear: he is not finished. He still has the legs, he still has the quality, and he still has the hunger.
The phrase “class is permanent” was repeated across newspapers and social media after the game, and it perfectly sums up what Robertson showed. Form may dip, opportunities may dry up, but true class never disappears. And Andy Robertson has always had class.
The next step for him is to take this international momentum back to Anfield. Liverpool’s schedule is packed with Premier League, Champions League, domestic cups, and more. Kerkez may be the starter right now, but no manager can survive a season with only one option in such a key position. Robertson will get his chance, and when it comes, nights like the one in Copenhagen prove he will be ready.
There is also the bigger picture of Scotland. For years, Robertson has carried the responsibility of leading his country, often with critics doubting whether the golden generation of Scottish talent could ever truly shine. Now, with World Cup qualification on the line, Scotland need their captain at his best. If Robertson can keep playing like he did against Denmark, then dreams of reaching the 2026 tournament remain alive.
For Liverpool supporters watching from afar, Robertson’s performance was a reminder of why he is loved. Even when things are not going his way, even when the new signing is taking his spot, he does not complain. He simply works, he simply fights, he simply delivers. That spirit is why the Kop will always sing his name.
This season may yet be one of the most challenging of Robertson’s career. For the first time in almost a decade, he is not an automatic starter. For the first time, he must prove himself all over again. But for a man who rose from relegation battles with Hull City to Champions League finals with Liverpool, proving himself is nothing new. His entire career has been about proving himself to those who doubted.
And that is why nights like Copenhagen mean so much. They are not just another game, another rating, another headline. They are proof that Andy Robertson is still here, still fighting, still leading, still capable of producing performances that make the football world stand up and take notice.
Class is permanent. Andy Robertson showed it again. And as long as he wears the armband for Scotland and the shirt for Liverpool, he will keep showing it. Because this is who he is. A fighter. A leader. A champion. And the story of Andy Robertson is far from over
