Due to Andy Robertson’s injury, Liverpool has gained momentum thanks to the performance of Jürgen Klopp’s replacement, who should have played for his nation.
The injury setback for Andy Robertson has not been favourable for Liverpool. Jürgen Klopp’s team has some important games to play in the upcoming weeks, so losing a starter who has been a critical cog is a massive loss.
However, Liverpool does have other options that might lessen the effects of Robertson’s absence, and one of those potential Robertson substitutes appears to be in excellent form at the ideal time.
That guy was acquired by Liverpool just for this kind of circumstance, and he has repeatedly proven his dependability over the years.
Kostas Tsimikas may not live on at Anfield forever, but considering the part he played in Liverpool’s domestic double and the way he has acted as Robertson’s steadfast deputy ever since joining the team, he will be remembered as something of a cult figure.
He doesn’t quite have Robertson’s explosive speed, nor does he have the Scotsman’s ruggedness. Tsimikas does, however, possess a voracious appetite, the perseverance to exert himself on the field, and a superb technical ability to produce accurate crosses into the box.
Tsimikas has only played four minutes of Premier League football so far this season, but he has been a constant for the Reds in the Europa League and the League Cup. Now, though, it is anticipated that he will fill in for Robertson if he is scheduled for an extended absence and should be given the go-ahead to start against Everton the following weekend.
Tsimikas appears to have found his form just in time for Klopp as he gears up for that vital derby match at Anfield, turning in a Man of the Match performance for Greece against the Republic of Ireland in a match that needed to be won for his nation. Tsimikas contributed to Greece’s triumph by recording an assist, but his performance was noteworthy in other ways as well.
There were plenty other things to appreciate about the way Tsimikas conducted himself on the pitch, putting in the kind of spirited effort that his Liverpool manager Klopp will have adored.
Tsimikas completed the most dribbles in the game (four), won the most duels (eight), made five recoveries, and intercepted two passes in addition to receiving one assist. Overall, he was able to control the left flank by continuously bombing up and down the wing, which is the type of performance he frequently gave at his very best while wearing a Liverpool jersey.
He might face Virgil van Dijk in the encounter between Greece and the Netherlands on Monday before the two of them return to the AXA Training Centre.
To prepare for the crucial game at Anfield in a week, Klopp will be hoping that Tsimikas plays well again and avoids injury in that encounter. The early indications are positive, and if Tsimikas performs as well as he did against the Republic of Ireland, Liverpool should be able to fill in for Robertson in the coming weeks, if the seriousness of the Scotsman’s injury necessitates it.