There’s probably no doubt over who Liverpool’s most-improved footballer is.
Thiago Alcantara has taken his game at Liverpool to a whole new level this season, following a relatively average first 12 months at Anfield after joining from Bayern Munich in 2020.
However, the Spaniard isn’t Liverpool’s most-improved player.
That honour clearly belongs to Greece international Kostas Tsimikas, who started the season a million miles behind regular left-back Andy Robertson, but fast forward a few months and although Robertson remains Liverpool’s best left-back, it genuinely isn’t by a landslide any longer.
The former Olympiacos defender managed only five minutes of Premier League football last season – literally – but this time around, he has started four outings – and clocked 743 minutes across all competitions.
And David James, a former goalkeeper for the Merseyside club, has admitted to Stadium Astro that he barely even recognises the Greek flier anymore, based on his improvement.
He said: “Tsimikas is probably the best example currently [of players Jurgen Klopp has improved]. He starts this season as if he’s been here for three years! I was watching games and I’m like, ‘this guy…..I don’t recognise him.”
Absolutely correct
The former goalkeeper is absolutely spot-on here – and even Liverpool supporters will wholeheartedly agree.
This season, Tsimikas, who only cost £11 million from Olympiacos, is clearly a different proposition and if you’re a fan of the Reds, it’s a massive joy to watch.
Historically there’s been a lot of players who have needed a year to completely adapt to Premier League football but Tsimikas, based on his performances, has finally done that in spades.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
