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Andy Robertson's primary concern will be guiding Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998. However, following the Tartan Army's crucial match against Denmark, he'll return to his duties with Liverpool in what could potentially be his final season at Anfield.
Since his transfer from Hull City in the summer of 2017, Robertson has claimed every significant domestic, European, and global trophy available at Liverpool. The 31-year-old could achieve another major career milestone on Tuesday evening.
The Scotland captain is poised to earn his 90th cap in the critical match against Denmark at Hampden Park. The stakes couldn't be higher. A win for the Tartan Army would end their 28-year drought of playing in a World Cup final. Anything less, and it will be the Danes securing their place in the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Robertson enters the game having regained his position at his club. The left-back had to sit on the sidelines as Milos Kerkez started the first nine Premier League matches of the season for the Reds.
However, with the new signing from Bournemouth struggling to find form, Robertson was brought back for the morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at home. He then kept his spot for the impressive 1-0 triumph over Real Madrid at Anfield and the disappointing 3-0 loss at Manchester City prior to the international break.
Despite the veteran player managing to secure a spot in Arne Slot's starting line-up, his future at Liverpool remains uncertain. Robertson's contract is due to expire at the end of the season and he recently confessed that there have been no discussions about a new deal.
Over the summer, Atletico Madrid showed interest in him and rumors suggest that his childhood club, Celtic, would like to bring him back to Scotland.
Former Liverpool full-back Jason McAteer has offered his thoughts on the situation, stating: "It is a funny one with Andy Robertson and Liverpool, really.
"I think from how he has served Liverpool in his career, I think it will more be a case of Liverpool giving him the option. They won't stand in his way if he wants a move to Celtic.
"I am sure he will be offered a new deal, but obviously on different terms. Liverpool has come to the point where Manchester City were last season, where they have exhausted their team, really. Jurgen Klopp exhausted the team, but he had great success with (James) Milner, (Jordan) Henderson, (Adam) Lallana etc.
"When Milner left, I worried for Liverpool. A lot of football goes on in the dressing room and on the training ground. Leaders are few and far between.Leadership today is talked about in different ways. You can lead by example, lead vocally and in all different ways."
In August, following the departure of his friend and fellow full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Robertson was announced as the Reds' new vice-captain.
The Reds enjoyed a brilliant start to the campaign, claiming victory in their opening seven fixtures across all competitions following a penalty shoot-out defeat to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield at Wembley
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However, a 2-1 loss at Palace in the Premier League on 27 September sparked a concerning run of form for the reigning champions. Liverpool head into Saturday's home clash with Nottingham Forest having suffered defeat in seven of their previous 10 matches across all competitions.
Speaking to AceOdds, McAteer said: "I am studying leadership now, and I am still old school when it comes to leadership. I know the game has changed and I know footballers have changed. Their mindset has changed, but to have leadership qualities, you still need to be vocal.
"You need to upset people and point fingers. You need to be demanding. I played with some of the best leaders both on and off the pitch and something doesn`t change.
"Before... if it wasn`t Milner, it would be Henderson. If not him, it would be Lallana or someone else. So, to come back to Andy Robertson, he is playing a lot right now, because Liverpool need him and his experience, but especially because of his leadership qualities.
"I think Andy Robertson is needed at Liverpool right now for a lot of different reasons."
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