Liverpool host Manchester City on Sunday in the biggest game of the Premier League season.
Liverpool and the Pep Guardiola’s side occupy the top two places in the table as of right now and victory would give the hosts a four-point cushion over the Sky Blues.
Granted there’ll only have been seven matches played by then, but a four-point advantage over Manchester City, the champions, is welcome at any stage of the season.
Problem is, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has a dilemma at right-back and with left-sided attacker Jack Grealish being a £100 million star, it isn’t ideal to field a fringe player against him.
But it’s needs must on Merseyside and with Trent Alexander-Arnold injured, Klopp is expected to choose between James Milner or Joe Gomez.
However, the German boss might have a surprise alternative up his sleeve.
Trick
Kostas Tsimikas is a left-back by trade but Klopp has struggled to leave out the Greek defender this season, based on how brilliant he has been while covering Andy Robertson.
And although the Scot is certain to start on the left as usual, the former Olympiacos man could and should be considered as an Alexander-Arnold replacement.
Reason being, Milner and Gomez aren’t full-backs and therefore Tsimikas will have a natural advantage when it comes to positioning.
Some Liverpool fans might argue that Milner has proven himself in this role, and to some extent he has, but Grealish is far better than Wilfried Zaha and the latter will give the 35-year-old a much tougher test.
Because Alexander-Arnold is a huge player for Klopp, there’s no good options to cover him against Manchester City.
But some options are better than others and Tsimikas, given his form and experience as a full-back, just may be the best one.
It isn’t a question of who is the best replacement for Trent; it’s a question of who is most likely to keep Grealish on a short leash and Tsimikas can certainly put forth a strong argument, based on his form this season.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
