Football: Scottish Cup Celtic s Daizen Maeda L scores in the first half of a Scottish Cup semifinal football match against St. Johnstone in Glasgow, Scotland, on April 20, 2025. Imago Images
Robertson has heaped praise on Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, calling him the best player in Serie A ahead of Scotland’s Group C clash with Haiti.
The Scotland captain spoke glowingly about McTominay’s development, crediting his mentality and quality as key factors in his rise to the top.
McTominay has scored 27 goals across two seasons in Italy, cementing his status as one of the most influential midfielders in European football.
Robertson said: “Scotty’s unbelievable. When he came in for the first time, he was playing at centre-back which is daft to think about now.”
The Napoli midfielder was passed fit for Saturday night’s World Cup opener in Boston after recovering from a stomach bug in the lead-up to the match.
Robertson credited McTominay’s bold career decision as a turning point, saying: “He’s shown his personality by making a tough decision to leave Manchester United.”
“He’s gone to Italy and became the best player in the league. Credit has to go to him. When I talk about players’ mentality, Scott’s is right up there.”
Robertson was also quick to stress that Scotland’s success has never been built around any single individual, no matter how impressive their recent form.
“Scotty has been our main man for a couple of years but he wouldn’t have seen it like that. We’re a team of equals and that’s what has worked for us.”
Robertson leads Scotland into their first World Cup in 28 years and says a core group of leaders has been essential to building the squad’s current culture.
He said: “Thankfully I had good lads around me in terms of John McGinn, McTominay, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean, who all came with me and had the same attitude.”
The captain reflected on how the group transformed Scotland’s international setup, with players now desperate to represent their country at every opportunity.
Robertson said: “We’ve managed to create a culture. I can’t take all the credit for it, maybe a tiny bit. But the group of lads we’ve got is a special group.”
Away from the tournament, Robertson confirmed he is set to join Tottenham after nine years at Liverpool, with the move agreed before he travelled to America.
He said: “I wanted my future sorted ASAP. I’m happy it has been resolved and I’m very happy going to Tottenham.”
Robertson insisted his focus remained entirely on Scotland for now, adding: “I’m fully focused on Scotland. Whenever this tournament ends for us, I will have a switch-off and then I’ll be fully into my new chapter and new challenge.”
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