Kostas Tsimikas proving to be more than a second choice

Losing your first choice left-back for three games is never ideal. Especially when that left-back is Scottish captain, Andy Robertson. Liverpool’s preferred defender picked up a three-match suspension after his strong tackle on Spurs’ Emerson Royal, leaving the left-back responsibility to the “Greek Scouser” Kostas Tsimikas.

The 25-year-old Greek international has enjoyed his time in Merseyside since his £11.75m transfer from Olympiacos in August 2020.

He recently spoke about his excitement when he joined the club.

“For me, it was a dream I had as a young kid to play in a big team. My dream came true – I came to Liverpool. I’m very happy to work with these players, with this gaffer.”

Tsimikas has also spoken on his nickname, the “Greek Scouser”.

“With the boys here, I try to speak Scouse sometimes. I try – I’m not good enough! I’m Greek also and that’s why ‘Greek Scouser’.”

The adopted Scouser has been used sparingly since his arrival. He struggled with thigh and knee injuries as well as Covid that have hurt his chances to get on the field but when given the opportunity to play, Tsimikas has impressed.

Tsimikas has only made 22 total appearances for the club with most of them coming this season, more specifically in the past couple of weeks. He has stepped up in the absence of Robertson and has been more than just a serviceable backup.

In the last three matches that Robertson was suspended, Tsimikas proved his worth. Obviously, the last few matches haven’t been the most impressive from the Liverpool side, but the Greek left-back has done enough. In those three matches, Tsimikas has tallied five tackles, four interceptions, two clearances, 151 passes, 37 crosses and an average passing accuracy of 83.7% per match. The one part of his game that could use some improvement would be his end product. Tsimikas only had 10 accurate crosses out of the 37 attempted. This is where Robertson has excelled. The Scotsman’s play in the final third poses problems for the other team whereas Tsimikas’s play often lacks that threat.

Nevertheless, Tsimikas is clearly capable of playing in the starting XI and holding his own when called upon which only benefits the Liverpool side. His play pushes Robertson to be at the top of his game and raises the supporters’ expectations of our left-back.

Robertson spoke about the competition with Tsimikas and how the two players have handled it.

"“Being at club like Liverpool you expect to have competition all over the park, and we’ve got that.“We’ll push each other, try and make each other better and compete against each other, but when the other one plays we want each other to do well.“If he puts in a good performance it doesn’t make me any worse, and if I put in a good performance it doesn’t make him any worse. We’re still two good players.“I think some people can get caught up in competition or start disliking one or the other, and it’s just crazy. We both want each other to do well.”Source: LFC Transfer Room"

Tsimikas has filled in well during Robertson’s suspension despite the results over those three matches. The Greek international is under contract until the summer of 2025 so it appears Liverpool will have some reliable options on the left side of their backline for years to come. Can Tsimikas challenge Robertson for the starting spot when both are healthy and in form?