THE man they call Jedi is proving a force to be reckoned with at Wanderers.
Little was known about the Everton full-back when he arrived in the summer, seemingly as cover for one of last season’s promotion heroes, Andy Taylor.
He caught the eye on his professional debut against Crewe in the Carabao Cup in August but the athletic youngster is now looking very much at home in the senior ranks.
Robinson has been on the books of the Blues since the age of 11 and came through the ranks under David Unsworth, now in caretaker charge at Goodison Park.
“David rates him very highly,” said Phil Parkinson. “He has been a key figure in his development and with all the changes at Everton, I’m sure they are keeping a very close eye on him.
“Antonee is a real character. He doesn’t give in. And that kind of attitude can take you places.
“I’m sure he’ll concentrate on what he has to do for Bolton first and foremost and look to maintain his level of performance, then he’ll look to the future.”
Robinson’s performance at Sunderland on Tuesday night might give Parkinson the option of resting Taylor until after the international break.
The Wanderers boss has no qualms about sending the 20-year-old in against another one of the Championship’s promotion heavyweights.
“At Sunderland he saw off two very good wide players in Callum McManaman and Duncan Watmore and when I walked into the dressing room I looked at him and it didn’t look like he’d broke sweat.
“He was so comfortable, physically, and he offers us something extra in the team because he’s so dynamic going forward. The modern-day full-back, like the boys at Fulham last weekend, cover 1,100 metres at high intensity – we’ll we’ve got our own one in Antonee, who can cover that kind of distance no problem.”
Robinson’s mature display at the Stadium of Light also caught the eye of one of Wanderers’ senior players, Karl Henry, who believes it will not be long before he is playing regularly at the top level back on Merseyside.
“I thought he was unbelievable,” he said. “I was trying to talk to him as a young player but he didn’t need it one little bit. He was like an old pro back there.
“He’s clearly a Premier League player and I think the manager has done well to get him on board.
“In the modern game all players are athletes and he’s certainly that. He’s quick, he’s strong, good on the ball and showed such a mature head for such a young player at Sunderland.
“I am sure it won’t be long before he’s playing week-in, week-out for Everton Football Club because he’s that good, for me.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel