Kostas Tsimikas – Who is Liverpool’s new left-back?

12/08/20 2233

It could be argued that Liverpool already possess the best left-back in world football. Barcelona’s Jordi Alba is certainly up there, while David Alaba, Alex Sandro and Marcelo all deserve a mention. But Andrew Roberston is possibly the best in the business in his position.

However, Liverpool’s strength in depth has continuously been called into question. Versatile veteran James Milner can fill in at left-back, with Joe Gomez also capable of deputising on the left side of defence. But the Reds have been crying out for a top-quality backup option for Robertson.

Liverpool originally set their sights on Norwich City’s Jamal Lewis, but after failing to meet the Canaries’ £20m asking price, Jurgen Klopp turned his attention elsewhere. Earlier in the week, the Premier League champions announced the signing of Greek international Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiakos for £11.75m.

But who is Liverpool’s new left-back?

Tsimikas joined Olympiakos in 2014 and made his Super League debut a year later. He was then sent out on loan to Danish side Esbjerg at the end of the 2016/17 season, before spending the entirety of the 2017/18 campaign with Dutch club Willem II.

Having gained vital first-team experience, Tsimikas returned to Greece for the 2018/19 season. He made 28 appearances in all competitions that term, notching up three assists. However, it wasn’t until last season that Tsimikas started to show signs that he was destined for bigger things.

The 24-year-old made 46 appearances in all competitions last term, racking up seven assists along the way. He played a pivotal role in guiding Olympiakos to a record 45th top-flight title, with the club losing just one of their 36 league games throughout the campaign.

Tsimikas was part of a backline that only conceded 16 league goals last season – 13 fewer than their nearest challenger. He also made the most accurate crosses in the Champions League, averaging 2.2 per game. Interestingly, his new teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold was second on that list with 2.0.

An attack-minded full-back, Tsimikas will fit in well at Liverpool. He is an excellent tackler, too, winning 72.3% of his challenges in the Champions League and Europa League last term. It’s also worth mentioning that his speed enables him to get up and down the pitch with ease.

Of course, Tsimikas has clearly been signed by Liverpool as backup to Robertson, so don’t expect to see him breaking into Klopp’s starting XI anytime soon. However, the arrival of another established left-back is only going to benefit the squad.