When embarking upon the admittedly rather niche topic that is ranking the world’s best back-up left-backs, your mind immediately conjures up images of Ben Chilwell raiding down the Chelsea flank. Of Marcelo, the most decorated footballer in Real Madrid’s storied history, thrusting another piece of silverware into the Spanish night sky.
But spare a thought for Kostas Tsimikas.
Almost every time the Greek international has taken to the pitch this season, he’s been superb. A blur of energy, aggression and quality. Tsimikas has six assists in all competitions and was the best player in Liverpool colours during April’s 3-3 Champions League quarter-final draw with Benfica.
But there’s a reason why Tsimikas has started just 11 games in 2021/22, and why he’s unlikely to add to that tally as Liverpool chase down an unprecedented quadruple. And, unfortunately for a man snapped up from Olympiakos for £11 million two years ago, Andy Robertson is going nowhere soon.
“I think the fans really do like him. They really like him a lot,” former Chelsea hero Pat Nevin told the BBC after Tsimikas shone in an FA Cup triumph over Cardiff City.
“They know it’s hard for him. Robertson has been unbelievable.”
Liverpool want David Raum from Hoffenheim
Tsimikas, to his credit, continues to go about his business with minimal fuss. He is mature enough to realise that Robertson is – and will remain – Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice left-back. But, with his 26th birthday coming up, how much longer can Tsimikas accept such a back-seat role, albeit at a club that could end this season with more silverware than a John Lewis firesale?
Put simply, he is a player who deserves to showcase his talents week-in, week-out.
Klopp refused to stand in Divock Origi’s way as Tsimikas’ fellow benchwarmer chased regular first-team football away from Anfield. And reports from BILD claiming that Liverpool are keeping a watchful eye on Hoffenheim’s David Raum certainly suggest that a contingency plan is in place if Tsimikas wishes to swap his position as a member of Anfield’s supporting cast to a leading man role elsewhere.
What next for Kostas Tsimikas at Liverpool?
Raum, a rampaging Germany international with a £25 million release clause in his contract, has been one of the Bundesliga season’s breakthrough stars. He has three goals and 13 assists with his trusty left boot, a tally that puts him just one shy of Robertson himself.
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And, reading between the lines, there’s only one reason why Liverpool would consider bringing in another left-back.
Tsimikas has blossomed into a genuine cult hero at Anfield. The most reliable of back-ups. But such a role is not for everyone. Life in the shadows can get awfully cold, even at a club as red-hot as Liverpool.
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