‘Struck gold’ – How former Fratton favourite Alex Robertson has fared at Cardiff ahead of huge Portsmouth reunion
The 21-year-old played in 27 games during the first half of the 2023–24 season while on loan at Fratton Park.
Pompey thought the talent they had on their hands could step up to the Championship and knew what kind of player
he was. But Cardiff had the same plan as the Bluebirds, and the Bluebirds won the battle to sign him.
As it happens, Robertson is a direct opponent of Pompey, as Cardiff is one of their relegation opponents this year.
Ahead of his return to the south coast, we’ve looked at the midfielder’s performance thus far at Cardiff, where he is
expected to play against his old team on Tuesday night.
A slow start.
Robertson’s initial manager at Cardiff for the season’s first two league games was Erol Bulut, and the Australian was
used as a substitute. Robertson scored against Pompey’s bitter rivals Southampton during a fun appearance in the
Carabao Cup, but he would only start three games under the Turkish manager before being fired.
However, he was reinvigorated and given a start against Hull City under interim manager Omer Riza. During Riza’s
tenure, Robertson has only appeared as a substitute in one league game thus far. He has made 28 appearances so far
in all competitions, tallying two assists and four goals. With only four absences, he has also been able to stay healthy
for most games.
Robertson was first used as a number eight in Cardiff’s midfield, switching between boxes as needed to score goals
against Coventry City and Plymouth Argyle. However, since Boxing Day, Rubin Colwill, who performed well against
Pompey in October, has been replaced by the former Man City youngster, who is now used higher up the pitch as a
No10.
Cardiff’s midfield consists of Calum Chambers, who began the season at centre-back, and club captain Joe Ralls.
Aaron Ramsey has recently returned from injury and the Bluebirds signed Norwegian midfielder Sivert Mannsverk
in January so there are different options at Riza’s disposal. Colwill scored a brace against Stoke City at the weekend
and so that could force the manager to put Robertson in a deeper role to accommodate the Welshman.
A fan favourite at Cardiff City
A Cardiff City supporter would say Robertson is one of the first names on the team sheet. Fans have already made a
chant for him, which goes to the tune of Oasis’ 1995 hit single She’s Electric.
Despite being under contract for another three years, there is a feeling there’s money to be made from Robertson.
This is his first season in the Championship but it is clear that he is capable of playing at a higher level.
“Alex Robertson—what a deal!” One of the most successful business ventures we have ever undertaken. The
Australian midfielder is only getting better and has added genuine talent to the team. With this one, Cardiff really hit
the jackpot.
“Robertson will be picked up by a premier league club soon, he is a serious talent,” tweeted Jerry Jamesaus following
his goal against Coventry City.
User cardiffboy1995 said on the Cardiff City forum: “We must do everything in our power to retain him, regardless of
where we play next season!”
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