“He doesn’t like it”- Klopp showers underused defender with praise after solid showing vs Atletico

Jurgen Klopp full of praise for Liverpool star Kostas Tsimikas

According to The Metro, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has underlined the importance of left-back Kostas Tsimikas to the team.

The Greek star joined the club in the summer of 2020. While his debut season in red was nothing to write home about, he is coming into his own this time around.

Tsimikas started ahead of Andrew Robertson in the 2-0 win over Atletico Madrid in midweek. He put up an excellent performance at both ends of the pitch, impressing one and all with his maturity and application.

While Klopp is full of praise for the 25-year-old’s performances, he has for now ruled out the chances of him usurping Robertson as the club’s first-choice left-back.

“Kostas has a lot of quality – he can push Andy Robertson, but Andy Robertson in my eyes is the best left-back in the world.”

There is little doubt that Robertson is in fact among the best in his position in world football. However his form has been inconsistent of late and in Tsimikas, Klopp now has an able deputy.

 “It’s good we have the options to give Robbo a rest in moments – even when he doesn’t like it.”

Tsimikas has now made eight appearances for Liverpool this season. This is one more than what he enjoyed throughout last season. Klopp admits that the 25-year-old needed a bedding-in period and is just starting to show his potential.

“Kostas needed time to adapt but he has done that now and we have to let him run free sometimes! Especially when you have the quality such as Kostas.”

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For a club that is competing on multiple fronts, strength in depth is crucial. While Liverpool have a world-class full-back pairing in their first XI, the backups do not appear to be too shabby either.