Antonee “Jedi” Robinson has skyrocketed to football stardom thanks to his newfound form at Fulham. Lucky enough to play alongside proven defenders like Tim Ream and João Palhinha, Robinson quickly followed suit and is now one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League.
Carrying the United States flag over his shoulders every time he graces the pitch, the American footballer brings glory and pride not just to the patrons at Craven Cottage but to all the football fans in the U.S.
Only 26 years of age, Jedi has already seen his fair share of skirmishes that molded him into the star he is today, and SBOTOP is here to give a quick trip down memory lane of his young but blossoming career.
Robinson started his journey as a Toffee
Antonee Robinson was born on August 8, 1997, in Milton Keynes, England, just 50 miles north-west of London. At just 11 years of age, the young Robinson entered Everton’s academy and was signed to a scholarship in 2013, making him a full-time player.
His journey wasn’t all rainbows and daisies, as he struggled with injuries that had him sidelined for most of his time on Everton’s U-18 side. But he managed to suit up during the tail end of the 2014–15 season for the U21 side. As a result, he was awarded the club’s Under-18 Players’ Player of the Season.
It seemed like Robinson’s ascent to the big leagues was all set in stone, but during the 2015-16 season, he was sidelined yet again for most of the campaign due to a torn cartilage under his kneecap. Despite this hurdle, Jedi still managed to play in the EFL Trophy for the Everton U23 team, which was enough for him to sign a two-year extension at the end of the 2016–17 season.
He was then loaned to the Bolton Wanderers in 2017 until January 2018. There, his career gained traction, and thanks to his health being intact, Robinson established himself as a serviceable left-back with tremendous potential and a remarkable understanding of the game.
In July 2019, Jedi joined EFL Championship outfit Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract. There, his form and potential proved his claim as one of the best left-backs in the league, and top clubs from all over the continent took notice.
Fulham swoops in
After impressing in the EFL Championship, Robinson’s talents were on notice, garnering interests from the likes of Everton and Sheffield United, but he was set to sign with the Serie A giants, A.C. Milan for £10 million before the transfer deadline on January 31, 2020. Yet, the deal fell through due to Robinson’s failed medical examination in Milan.
On August 20, 2020, Fulham swooped in and Robinson became a cottager after signing a contract that was understood to be in the region of £2 million. Jedi made his debut as a Cottager during a league cup game against Ipswich Town on September 15, and his Premier League debut was on October 4 against Wolverhampton.
Unfortunately for Fulham, they got relegated to the Championship by the end of the 2020–21 season. But all hope wasn’t lost for the Cottagers, as they dominated the Championship and made their way back to the top flight in the following season.
Robinson was a big part of their promotion back to the Premier League and still plays a vital role in Marco Silva’s system to this day. Because of this, Fulham signed Robinson to a hefty contract in July 2023 that would span until 2028.
The Padawan is now a Jedi master
Robinson’s ceiling as a player has been an enigma, due to the fact that his potential just keeps on rising after every season. But during this current campaign, he became one of the biggest Premier League 2024 news stories, as he’d taken a big leap forward in terms of his development and skillset, making him one of the hottest commodities in the top flight.
His pace and attacking contributions from the left flank adds depth to Fulham’s gameplay. Silva would often go to his talented left-back to funnel Fulham’s push into the attacking third, and Robinson’s innate ability to push the ball forward continually causes problems for opposing teams.
Jedi’s fruitful carries, improved crosses, recoveries, and take-ons make him one of the most polished defenders and his all-around defencive skillset grants him the title of one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
Despite being just 26-years-old, Jedi has already proven that he can be an integral cog for a team’s success, and the Cottagers could sleep soundly at night knowing that Antonee Robinson is wearing “Fulham” on his chest.
Fulham may be one of the underdogs this season in the Premier League 2024 betting odds, but things could surely turn around for the them if Robinson and the rest of Fulham’s core stay intact.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
