Robinson keen to learn from chastening USMNT experience

International football is an unforgiving arena, something young Antonee Robinson learned the hard way last weekend.

The 21-year-old, playing just his third game for the USMNT, struggled against Brazilian winger Douglas Costa.

The Juventus player darted past Robinson to set-up the opening goal in Brazil’s dominant 2-0 win, highlighting the levels required to compete at international level.

It is a far cry from the day-to-day grind of the Championship, where Robinson plays on loan at Wigan after a similar spell at Bolton last season.

After a successful year at the Macron Stadium there were some calls for Robinson to be promoted to the Toffees first-team this summer given the club’s lack of left-back cover.

The signing of Lucas Digne put paid to that suggestion, with Robinson continuing his development in the second tier.

The young defender’s struggles against Brazil perhaps justifies Marco Silva’s decision to bring in Digne, though Robinson’s attitude to this bump in the road suggests he could have a bright Goodison future.

Far from being overawed by the experience against Brazil, Robinson is determined to learn and become a better player for it - essential attributes for any young player.

“When you struggle like that, you want to turn it around and take what you’ve learned to the next game. It’s all about growing each time.

“He’s [Costa] obviously a Champions League-quality player. I’m not playing against people like him in-and-out every week, but that’s a level that I want to get to.

“There comes a point where we’ll be playing in competitions where it’s not about learning anymore, it’s about winning. But before I get to that point I just want to enjoy every game I play and play as many games as I can for the national team.”