Robinson hits back at James Milner critics after Liverpool reveal
Paul Robinson has launched a staunch defence of Liverpool midfielder James Milner after Wednesday's humbling in Napoli.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said Milner, 36, has been exposed this season but only because the team is underperforming.
Jurgen Klopp's side slipped to a 4-1 loss to Napoli at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night (7 September).
As revealed by The Athletic‘s James Pearce (8 September), Milner won just three of his 11 duels during his 63 minutes on the pitch.
The Reds handed the centre-midfielder a one-year contract extension in June.
When asked by Football Insider if age was watching up with Milner, Robinson said: "I disagree.
"Liverpool played in every game they could have possibly played in last season. You don't decline that much in six weeks.
"Milner can still play at the top level. I think he is playing in a team that is struggling and he has been exposed a couple of times this season.
"Liverpool's high line has been exposed because they are not defending from the front. The team is not functioning in the way the manager wants and expects.
"It is easy to highlight individual players but when a team isn't playing well collective responsibility needs to be taken.
"When a team is playing well you can carry a player who has a bad day. Unfortunately, Milner is playing in a team that is struggling right now."