Antonee Robinson: Fulham's star form is becoming one of the Premier League's best left-backs | Football News

In a league where the title race often dominates the conversation and scoring goals is often credited as the primary route to success, defenders can easily slip under the radar.

Still, it's been a transformative season for left back Antonee Robinson. One that many simply cannot ignore.

As he enters the media room, Robinson greets the team with a warm smile and wishes everyone a happy new year. It's a small moment that reflects his down-to-earth demeanor, but his impact on the field has been anything but modest.

His combination of speed, defensive resilience and offensive contribution has made him one of the most consistent defenders this season.

By his own admission, Robinson recognizes the attention his performances have attracted, though he doesn't dwell on it too much.

“It's nice I suppose, but I try not to focus too much on it because, at the end of the day, it's football,” Robinson said ahead of Fulham's clash with Ipswich. live on Sky Sports this sunday.

“I could have two bad games in a row and people would say, 'I always knew he was a jerk' and things like that,” he tells Sky Sports, fully aware of the unpredictable nature of football.

“You never know how it's going to go, so I just enjoy doing well, I enjoy the team doing really well and me contributing to that.”

Reluctant to take too much credit for his performance, however, the stats speak for themselves. No defender has provided more assists in the Premier League than Robinson. With seven assists in 19 games, he is only behind Mohamed Salah and Bukayo Saka in top-flight football.

For reference, last season was strong for the full-back, who registered six assists in 37 games in all competitions. He has already surpassed that with half the season to go.

His persistence and attention to detail is clear. Developing his game management and decision making was a key area of ​​focus.

“In the final third, when I'm in positions to throw crosses, I kind of try to slow down in my head and make sure I'm picking somebody or picking the right decision, aiming for the right one and just slow down a little bit in my head,” Robinson continues to explain.

“It still feels fast, but it gives me a little clarity on where I need to put the ball.”

Usually a private person, Robinson gives a brief insight into the influence manager Marco Silva has had on him.

“I've talked a lot about how much I feel like he's helped me grow personally and I give him a lot of credit for that,” he smiles as he continues to add.

“But in terms of the team, we've kind of had our ideals, our philosophy of how we play since he took over the championship and he's stayed true to that.”

Similarly, when asked about Robinson in the pre-match press conference, Silva spoke enthusiastically about a player he has known for almost a decade.

“I've known him for a long time, it was Everton who paid when I made it there and now I'm working with him again here at Fulham.” Silva says as he addresses the media ahead of Sunday's game against Ipswich.

“He's a lot more mature, he's not emotional during the game. Most of you don't know him personally, but he's very emotional, and he's a quiet person, but his game is a lot more balanced now and a lot more mature if I can say.

“Now that he's having a good or not so good action, it's not going to affect him as much, he's taking some steps as a defender and becoming solid. We've been working with him and asking him and giving him confidence.”

With the support of his manager and no signs of slowing down, it's no surprise that the 27-year-old American is also one of the most popular guys among Fantasy Premier League fans.

With the fact that 25.2 percent of all users opted for him in their team. In fact, he is Fulham's most-choice player, a detail he smiles to hear and would certainly share with his teammates.

“That's pretty good,” laughs Robinson, “I've been off fantasy for five years because I've always set it up or set it up myself. And I'd have a week where I'd miss changing my team and do poorly, and then I'd just say, I'm not going to try now.”

Leaning back in his chair, Robinson laughs as he shares stories about how his social media is full of fans clamoring for him to score a goal or two. Although he finds the interactions amusing at times, his instructions are clear.

“Don't send me messages about FPL. It won't affect my game.”

Like many footballers, Robinson's rise has been shaped by spells of injury, loan spells and moments on the bench. Therefore, it is not surprising that despite the opening of the January transfer window, he enjoys these moments and does not get involved in speculations about his future.

“Everyone I play with and who watches me play knows that I am 100 percent dedicated to the team. Every week I give everything to try and help us get to the level where I think we should be and where we deserve. So there is no discrimination, I always invest all his 100 percent effort in every game.

Few things in football last forever, however, Fulham fans can take solace in the knowledge that there are no imminent plans for him to leave the west London club. Instead, Robinson insists his side still have a higher level.

Since Silva's side were promoted to the top flight of English football in 2022, they have been relatively consistent in mid-table, distancing themselves from their previous yo-yo trend.

That same season they finished in 10th place in the league with 52 points, just one point behind their highest league tally in 2009/10.

“The gaffer has a really, really good sense of trying to break records, trying to make history,” says Robinson.

“Every time there's a game where there's an opportunity to do something we haven't done before, he always mentions it to us.”

All he has to do is return on Boxing Day, when Fulham secured their first away win at Chelsea since 1979.

“The game at Stamford Bridge is a good example of that. The speech he gave us before the game. We haven't won there for 45 years. We did it. We managed to do it.

“We were just a point or so shy in our first season in the Premier League when we equalized on points and got to 10. And with the quality the league has had this season and where we are, how many points we have is a real testament because everyone teams in the middle of the pack, around ninth place, so we'll take the European place if we get it.”

As Fulham prepare to extend their seven game unbeaten run into the new year. Robinson shares the collective ambition felt by many at the club.

“No one will hand us games. We will have to earn every point,” he says.

“In the second half of the season, try to improve on our points tally from the first half. Get up the table and hopefully the FA Cup.”

Football-wise, his youth may be behind him, but Robinson is on the rise and believes he still has a lot to offer.

“I still see my game improving and I believe there's potential to keep getting better, and I hope that's the case,” he says.

“Obviously, I'm happy with the level I'm performing at now, but I always aim high and accept whatever comes my way.”