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<ul><li>Robinson explains how chess improves footballing intelligence</li><li>USMNT star prefers traditional left-back role over inverted tactics</li><li>Defender recalls conversation with Paolo Maldini before failed AC Milan move</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Playing chess helps you play better football' - USMNT and Fulham star Antonee Robinson says strategic board game helps him on the pitch

Premier League

Southampton

Fulham

As his stock continues to rise with standout performances for Fulham, Antonee Robinson has become a player to watch across Europe. Known for his off-pitch talents - like playing the piano and rapidly solving a Rubik's Cube - the USMNT left-back recently revealed another surprising skill.On Fulham’s official podcast Fulham Fix, Robinson shared that he’s one of the top chess players in the squad - and he believes the game sharpens his football IQ.“I’ve genuinely said this—I do think playing chess helps you play better football,” Robinson explained. “It’s not that quick and exact, but I see decision-making on the pitch kind of like chess. You’ve got so many options on the board, just like in a match, and you’re trying to pick the best move each time. It’s really the same thing, just faster.”He elaborated further: “Say you’ve got three passes on - you're asking yourself which one’s best, which one’s safest. Passing to a guy who’s tightly marked usually leads nowhere. In chess, you don’t want to make a move that leads nowhere either. It’s the same concept.”Robinson also discussed the evolution of the full-back role and made it clear he prefers a more traditional approach.“Since I’ve been a professional, our system has suited me - very dynamic, lots of running, joining the attack,” he said. “But the role’s changing. There are more inverted left-backs now, kind of playing like second midfielders. I’ve only done that a few times - once recently for the U.S. against Jamaica - and it’s not really my game. I’m more vertical, more straight lines.”<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A standout performer on the pitch... and the chess board. ♟️ Fulham Fix with <a href="https://twitter.com/Antonee_Jedi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Antonee_Jedi</a> is available to watch and listen to now. 🎙— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1909495171944693798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WHAT HAPPENED

The former Wigan Athletic full-back also revealed that he did have a conversation with AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini ahead of a failed move to the Rossoneri during his time with the Lactics and that the Italian legend believed in Robinson’s potential.“He [Paolo Maldini] said 'Look, I see a lot of potential in you and I’m really looking forward to working with you and helping develop you as a player.' Which to hear that from him is an unreal feeling,” Robinson added. “Every now and then it re-affirms to me to just be confident in myself because if someone like that can see the potential in me then obviously something is there.”Beyond that, Robinson also talked about his hopes for the 2026 World Cup and what the USMNT could potentially do at the tournament.“Ideally we wanna go and win it. I think in general the World Cup is going to be probably the biggest sporting event potentially ever as an event. So, to be on that stage, representing our country and the team we have, you know it’s obviously next year but lads who are kind of going under the radar at the minute could fly unaware and surprise people, you never know and that goes for any country but that goes for us specifically.”<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="362" src="https://youtube.com/embed/U9CPRMuMKMc" title="YouTube video player" width="644"></iframe>

WHAT ANTONEE ROBINSON SAID

The 27-year-old full-back has been an integral part of Fulham this season, playing in every league game for the Cottagers as they attempt to challenge for a European place. They sit eighth on the league table with 48 points but are only four points behind sixth-place Manchester City and five points behind fifth-place Newcastle United with seven games left to go.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Following an impressive 3-2 win over Liverpool, Fulham go to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth on April 14 and then return to Craven Cottage to host a London derby against Chelsea on April 19.

WHAT’S NEXT?

'Playing chess helps you play better football' - USMNT and Fulham star Antonee Robinson says strategic board game helps him on the pitch | Goal.com

The Premier League defender shares insights on everything from chess strategies to the evolving role of modern full-backs

&apos;Playing chess helps you play better football&apos; - USMNT and Fulham star Antonee Robinson says strategic board game helps him on the pitch

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