Liverpool really do look a different animal in 2018/19.

After years of attacking brilliance but suspect defending, Jurgen Klopp's side now look ready to match any team in Europe.

At the back, they look the best they have for decades, with Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker the two catalysts for change.

The two newest defensive arrivals have had a huge impact, with the rest of the backline benefitting from their arrival.

One man who has gone from strength to strength alongside them is Andy Robertson, who is now one of the world's finest left-backs.

In 2018/19, the Scotsman has been the same dynamic attacking force he was last season but appears to be more focused on his defending.

But who does he thank for his new-found pragmatism? Well, it's not Van Dijk and Alisson.

Robertson cites James Milner and Jordan Henderson in his 'theory' about why he's spending more time on the pitch in a deeper role.

“Last season there were some games when we were 2-0 up and I was bombing forward and James Milner had to cover me. He wasn’t happy about it and still goes on about it! So maybe I have listened to James a bit more,” he explained, per Telegraph.

“Hendo gave me a mouthful about that in one of the games, too. When we were 1-0 up against Brighton earlier this season - when it was not the best of games - it was about defending.

“Yes, you want to contribute to attack but I was not going to push on and risk losing the ball. Maybe we have got the level of control now where we are prepared to see out the game a lot more. So far that has worked.

“The manager is always on at me to be more involved. He wants the full-backs up and down. At times I may be in the wrong position, but he wants me to keep showing for the ball.

"We have a ball-playing goalkeeper now so you need to get used to the angles when he gives it that wee dink to the full-back. It is about being ready for that.”

With leaders like Henderson, Milner and Van Dijk around him, the sky really is the limit for Robertson.