Nowadays, Jürgen Klopp has excellent squad depth at Liverpool, as he attempts to wrestle the Premier League title from Manchester City.
The Reds have added Luis Diaz to the frontline, while Ibrahima Konate arrived to bolster the defence.
However, after finding Kostas Tsimikas to help Andy Robertson, Klopp is still without someone who can do the same for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is currently injured.
In our view, the German can look to Pep Guardiola for the answer.
What’s the story?
Well, due to a lack of quality options at left-back, Guardiola decided to change Joao Cancelo’s position.
The £60m man – a right-back by trade – has now become a left-back for Manchester City, and to good effect.
Cancelo has scored three goals this season, while also providing eight assists as he earns rave reviews from many – he is widely regarded as one of the most technical players in the Premier League.
Now, Klopp should copy Guardiola, and use Tsimikas – another full-back of vast technical quality – on the opposite side of defence.
Alexander-Arnold is a key cog for Liverpool, and his replacement against Watford earlier today – Joe Gomez – is a very, very different player.
While Tsimikas is a left-back, he is a far better crosser of the ball than Gomez, so his in-swinging deliveries from the right should still cause problems.
Of course, Gomez was exceptional against Watford, and grabbed the assist for Diogo Jota’s goal with a great cross. However, against better opposition, he has struggled to mimic Alexander-Arnold’s impact.
Kostas Tsimikas can do the job for Liverpool
You may argue that, by the time it takes Tsimikas to cut inside, the opportunity to deliver the ball will be gone.
However, the Greek international is just as good with his right foot as he is with his left, a notion supported by Mark Lawrenson.
Speaking to OTB, the 64-year-old said: “Tsimikas as well, he’s two-footed. He could play right-back if you really wanted him to,”
Of course, nobody can replace what Alexander-Arnold brings to Liverpool, but Tsimikas is a much better alternative that Gomez, who often looks awkward at right-back.
Hopefully, Alexander-Arnold returns soon, but if not, Klopp must channel his inner Guardiola and give this move a go.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
