In an amusing twist of fate, Belgium and ex-Everton manager Roberto Martinez has revealed that Everton had scouted Andrew Robertson back when he featured for Dundee United and also kept tabs on Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Adama Traore.
Now plying his trade at arch-rivals Liverpool, Robertson left the Scottish side for Hull City in 2014 for just £3 million – and has enjoyed a rise to the top ever since.
The Scottish national team captain is now valued at a whopping £67.5 million and is one of the most valuable full-backs in the world.
Writing for The Times ahead of the clash between Wolves and Liverpool, Martinez dropped a bombshell on Everton regarding their interest in the Scottish international.
“One of the highlights of the game will be Adama Traoré up against Andrew Robertson”, commented Martinez.
“They are two players I know well.
“During my time in the Premier League I scouted both closely.
“I travelled to Dundee United to see Robertson before he moved to Hull City and you always knew he had everything for a modern footballer.
“He can defend with a back four but also produce a lot of assists.
“When Traoré was a youngster at Barcelona you could see he is someone so different with that pace, power and raw facility to go past people.
“Now he has matured and arrived at the perfect club with the perfect management of Nuno.”
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Everton fans will surely be kicking themselves with Martinez’ latest comments.
Robertson has emerged into an incredibly valuable modern defender and is a familiar face for the Toffees’ arch-nemesis in the Reds.
As a consolation, at least Everton are evidenced as having a keen eye for good targets!
Traore is another interesting consideration; the rapid physically indomitable winger has recently been linked with a whole host of European giants including Juventus.
Again, Everton fans will be left disgruntled that they could not express stronger moves to secure their target, though the news is a credit to Martinez and his scouting team.
