Comolli: Teen has big future
Damien Comolli believes Jack Robinson has all the attributes to become a top player for Liverpool - and claims there are plenty more where he came from.
The 18-year-old signed a new deal at Melwood on Monday afternoon having impressed during five first-team appearances.
Director of Football Comolli told Liverpoolfc.tv: "He did very well when he played for the first team last year, especially against Arsenal (in April). Then he's done well again this year and he's done well for England, so it's fully deserved.
"He's bright, which is very important to succeed at the top level. He's dedicated, he's committed, he's very professional. He's one of those who is very positive and he listens to what other people have got to say, whether it's the manager or coaches or the fitness team.
"I've just told him: it's a contract but you can't rest on your laurels. He's still got a long way to go, he's still got a lot of work to do physically, mentally, tactically and technically - all aspects he can improve.
"He knows this, but all the elements are there to make him a very, very good player."
While Robinson faces a tough test to oust Jose Enrique from the left-back slot, Comolli has also revealed that the youngster will soon face even more competition.
He explained: "We've got one or two more good left-backs (at the Academy) who are probably as good as Jack was at their age. There will be competition for Jack in a few years.
"The most important thing is that there's talent coming through. Hopefully the future of the club is bright on that side."
Click below to watch our exclusive chat with Comolli
The club invested in Enrique during the summer and Comolli thinks the Spaniard is an ideal role model for Robinson as he learns his trade.
"Throughout last season we thought we could prepare Jack for the next two or three years and then he should be ready, and he's showing that," said Comolli.
"He's lucky enough to have people to look at like Jose Enrique and Fabio Aurelio, who's also a fantastic professional and a very good player with plenty of experience playing in Jack's position. He can look at them and see what they do.
"At 18, he's the future of the club."
Comolli oversaw our summer transfer activity as seven players arrived at Melwood.
He believes the squad is now full of quality.
"We've got a very competitive squad with a lot of players who can come in and play at the top level," he said.
"It's quite a compact squad, it's not too big, but the competition is there in every position. It's good for the players, it's good for the club, and it's good for the young players because they know with Kenny they'll have a good chance."