Liverpool left-back Kostas Tsimikas made a perfect claim for the first-team spot with his performance against Brighton & Hove Albion. Tsimikas played a pivotal role as the Reds secured a comeback 2-1 victory against the Seagulls at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds conceded an early goal from an unstoppable shot from Ferdi Kadioglu in the 14th minute of the game. A highly contested battle ensued in the first half and Liverpool struggled to maintain dominance over the high-pressing in-form visitors.
However, Liverpool regained control in the second half of the game and Cody Gakpo earned another well-deserved goal to equalise. Legendary forward Mohamed Salah immediately backed the Dutchman’s 70th-minute equaliser with a fantastic 72nd-minute winner to secure three important points.
Tsimikas replaced the struggling first-choice left-back Andy Robertson in the starting eleven against Brighton and delivered a crucial match-winning performance. According to Squawka Live, Tsimikas won nine out of nine duels, made eight final third entries and created three chances.
The Greek international made seven tackles, and six crosses and won the possession three times to secure the left flank. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has shuffled Robertson and Tsimikas since the start of the season, preferring the Scotsman marginally.
The left-back position remains a talking point among the fans and pundits due to the inconsistency of the two occupants. Both Tsimikas and Robertson have struggled with nagging injuries and inconsistencies since last season, putting undesired pressure on their bosses.
However, Tsimikas could overtake Robertson for the starting role if he builds on this impressive performance during the fixture congestion. Liverpool will face last season’s Bundesliga’s invincible champions Bayer Leverkusen during the midweek with no room to rest right now.
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Slot has used sufficient rotation policy during the Carabao Cup fixtures but his preference remains the most in-form player in the major competitions.
