'Andy Robertson is the perfect example for me'
Adam Lewis is using Andy Robertson as inspiration as he takes steps towards emulating the new Scotland captain and making it into the Liverpool first team.
The teenage Scouser enjoyed an impressive 2017-18 campaign under the guidance of Steven Gerrard at U18 level and in the UEFA Youth League.
A call-up to the England U19 squad for the European Championship followed in the summer and he has since made the next jump up to the U20s.
Lewis has maintained his form with a promising start to the new season and has been a regular in the U23s team led by Neil Critchley.
In an exclusive interview for the latest Academy Show on LFCTV, Lewis discussed learning from his idol, following in the footsteps of Robertson, a very special goal in front of the Kop and much more...
Watch: Lewis, Glatzel and more on Academy Show
On scoring 10 goals for the U18s, U19s and U23s in 2017-18 plus numerous assists from left-back…
That wasn’t just down to me. It was down to my teammates who helped me to do that but I’ve got to take that from last year and do the same again this season playing at a higher level for the U23s. Last season was probably my best time at this club so far with Steven Gerrard being the manager and him giving me the captaincy, which was unbelievable.
On playing under Gerrard last season and the support and guidance he gave him…
I’ve said it many times but it was just like a dream come true. Being captain under him is something you dream of as a boy and I’ve done that. His support for me was massive. When I got sent off against Manchester United, he pulled me to one side and told me he had made that mistake when he was a player and said just to get on with it. Since then I’ve been the best I’ve been. I will miss Steven but I know I’ve got Critch, Alex [Inglethorpe], Tim [Jenkins] and all of the coaches there for me and to help me. Critch is one of the best managers in the Academy and that’s why he has got the U23s job.
On why he’s keeping a close eye on Rangers’ fortunes this season…
I’m quite close to Ovie Ejaria and Ryan Kent and I want them to do well. We always watch the games now at home and we are all massive Rangers fans now as well as Liverpool! I didn’t watch them before but now we do because of Steven!
On his favourite two goals from last season, against Spartak Moscow in the UEFA Youth League and the free-kick at the Kop end for the U23s against Manchester United…
Steven said to me before the game, everyone is watching you, and I was trying to push for my pro contract as well, so that game I thought, this is my chance, and I managed to get a goal but it was disappointing because we got beat. Steven and Critch were brilliant with me at the end of the game and told me I was excellent, which meant a lot. The goal against United is something I will never forget. My nan and grandad were watching it on television because they don’t come to the games anymore, but everyone else from my family was there so it was a proud moment.
On stepping up to take free-kicks…
I enjoy it. Steven gave me the confidence to do that last year. I know I’ve got the delivery and we just need bodies there to finish it off.
On playing for England U19s in the European Championship…
It was tough but that experience playing against different nationalities was unbelievable. It was important for my development and it was also good for people to get to know you. Playing for your country is an unbelievable experience and it was an unforgettable moment.
On seeing his friends Curtis Jones and Rafael Camacho get first-team opportunities…
I watched them in pre-season and Curt played some of the best football I have seen him play. He’s got to keep it going and make sure he keeps doing it because if he does he will get his chance, he has a lot of ability, the same with Rafa as well. Nat Phillips has also made the step up and with Ragnar Klavan leaving the club you never know what can happen. Seeing the likes of Curt, Rafa, Nat and Conor Masterson, before he got injured, going up to Melwood makes me think, wow, because our manager loves the youth players. As long as you have the ability and you can run then 100 per cent he will give you a chance.
On playing at left-back and in midfield…
As long as I’m in the starting XI I’m not really bothered as it’s for the good of the team. Obviously I’d rather play left-back because that’s where I’ve learned most things and I want to kick on in the position. Looking at the first team, there are obviously two left-backs ahead of me so that makes me determined to be a left-back.
On taking inspiration from watching Robertson in the first team…
He is a perfect example for me. I like the energy he has got and I try to play in a similar way. What I’ve got to look at and improve upon is the defending side of my game. I’ve got to bring that into my game and hopefully I can give him a challenge in a few years.
On maintaining high standards to get another chance to impress at Melwood…
I got a taste of it last season from Christmas up until the end of the season but I’ve just got to focus on what I’ve been doing and concentrate on improving my game.