When Robertson was injured, Klopp was concerned about the left-back position. However, following Liverpool’s first two rounds, that headache may have been alleviated
Tsimikas is Liverpool’s valuable asset. Photograph: Premier League.The Premier League’s Team of the Week 2 includes two Liverpool stars on the wings. Robertson would ordinarily play beside Alexander-Arnold, but Tsimikas has taken his spot on the left.Last season, Klopp purchased a number of defensive players to fill the void left by injury. Tsimikas was originally seen as a short-term and insignificant choice. However, his performance in the last two rounds has taken the Kop captain by surprise.Liverpool had to overcome Fenerbahce and Napoli to sign Tsimikas from Olympiakos for £11.75 million last season. Tsimikas was taking a gamble when he chose Liverpool at the time, as Robertson was untouchable. If he had joined either of the other two clubs, the Greek star may have earned a regular starting spot.
Tsimikas makes his Liverpool debut. Photograph: Premier League.However, if Liverpool’s coach was Pep or Tuchel, Tsimikas would not have had a chance. Klopp has always demonstrated patience with everyone. Even after signing Robertson from Hull City in 2017, Klopp only started him in two of Liverpool’s first 14 matches. Robertson was told to watch Alberto Moreno (who was then on the left wing) and learn. Finally, Robertson shined and “kicked” Moreno out of Anfield.Tsimikas, who was playing for Olympiakos at the close of last season, drew Klopp’s attention with strong stats in both the Champions League and the Europa League. Despite playing on the flank, the 25-year-old defender recorded an average of 4.3 tackles per game. Furthermore, in order to play against-pressing, every player in Klopp’s hands must be durable, and Tsimikas is an excellent choice who has demonstrated his ability to respond well.Robertson was unexpectedly wounded, presenting Tsimikas with an opportunity. He has performed admirably in his two starts since the season began. Tsimikas was delicate, patient, and polished in the match that destroyed Burnley, after being slightly overloaded in the opener against Norwich.Tsimikas is emerging as one of Liverpool’s mainstays due to his ability to move the ball fluidly, win the ball fast, have strong speed, take free kicks, and create.
Klopp has been patient and confident in Tsimikas. Photo: AFP.
Robertson has fully recovered, but now Klopp must decide who to start against Chelsea this Saturday. The Liverpool captain must make very careful calculations since Tsimikas still lacks experience at the highest level of the Premier League; starting him will be extremely risky.
However, if Klopp benched the Greek star, he risked undermining Tsimikas’ growing confidence. Last season, despite Robertson’s tiredness, Klopp remained with the Scottish star and left Tsimikas alone. Will the German coach do this again?
It is unclear who Klopp would choose, but Tsimikas has learnt and grown significantly over the last year at Melwood and Anfield. Robertson was the only player to start every game for The Kop last season, but that could change if Tsimikas is healthy and ready to burst even more.
