Liverpool boss Arne Slot has discussed his left-back options with Kostas Tsimikas impressing in the absence of Andy Robertson in recent weeks for the Premier League leaders
Arne Slot has alluded to a direct contest between Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson for the left-back spot at Liverpool.
After starting the previous two games, Tsimikas has been in the news. He helped Diogo Jota equalize against Nottingham Forest and was instrumental in Mohamed Salah’s goal during Tuesday’s 2-1 Champions League triumph over Lille.
Robertson has started 18 of Liverpool’s 21 Premier League games and come off the bench for two more, despite some inconsistency this season. However, there have been concerns raised regarding his performance levels.
Robertson is keen to restore his starting berth for the forthcoming encounter against Ipswich Town as Liverpool looks to increase its six-point advantage at the head of the league. Tsimikas, having made 19 appearances so far this term—only six less than the duration of the previous season which was plagued by injury—secured his third Premier League start in almost a year against Brentford last weekend.
In response to a question on Friday about whether Tsimikas’ improved play or workload management was the reason for the increased left-back substitutions, Slot said, “I think both.” Rotating in that position or managing the load would not be wise if Kostas was at a completely different level than Robbo. This is because you would risk a significant reduction in quality.
“I’m not sure what Kostas’s circumstances were the previous season; I know he didn’t play much, but I’m not sure how good he was. However, he performed exceptionally well on the U.S. tour as soon as I arrived. He has demonstrated that he is capable of playing left back as well.
“Since we have got now two good options in my opinion, you can see that we are managing loads and rotating in that position quite a bit.”
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