The Merseyside Derby: James' Toughest Challenge Of The Season, Robertson

James rodriguez (Instagram @ jamesrodriguez10)

JAKARTA - James Rodriguez will face one of his toughest challenges this season when Everton face defending Premier League champions Liverpool. The Reds left back, Andrew Robertson will be tasked with holding down the Colombian players.

It was under Jurgen Klopp that the Scotland international became one of the best full-backs in Europe. This Saturday he will face one of the best performing players in the Premier League in the first half of the 2020/21 season.

Ben Davies, Kieran Gibbs, Tyrick Mitchell, Aaron Cresswell and Solly March are the side's full-backs who have failed to shackle James in Everton's four games so far this season.

Since arriving in England from Real Madrid in September, it's only been Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur in the 'top six' that James has faced.

The Merseyside derby will be an opportunity for James to show his quality again. To do that, he had to overcome the odds of Robertson, the fast, agile, strong, smart and tireless left-back.

The Scottish player, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, were one of the two pillars of Liverpool's game under Klopp.

James must be very wary of Robertson who moves forward and becomes a winger when Liverpool attack. He can take advantage of the empty space in the opponent's defense when the Liverpool full-back moves forward.

The main characteristic of Klopp's side is their intensity when it comes to recovering lost balls and counter-attacking. Diogo Jota, who is expected to flank Roberto Firmino in attack, will move behind if Robertson remains in front.

Meanwhile, Liverpool's inner midfielders in this derby - either Georginio Wijnaldum or James Milner - can also shut down James. Virgil van Dijk will be the final hurdle the Colombian will have to overcome if he is in a position to threaten Liverpool.