"I know I have to" - Kostas Tsimikas opens up on challenging Andy Robertson

Liverpool reserve left-back Kostas Tsimikas has opened up on challenging Andy Robertson for a place in the first-team.

The Reds signed the Greece international for a transfer fee of £11.70 million back in the summer of 2020.

Tsimikas had an interrupted first season at Anfield due to injuries and illness. But, the 26-year-old had a better run at things in last campaign.

Tsimikas averaged a WhoScored player rating of 7.08 across the 2021-22 season (26 appearances). He also scored the decisive penalty against Chelsea in the FA Cup final.

Ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, Tsimikas has revealed that he plans on pushing Robertson once again.

“When I came here, I know I have to challenge Robbo,” the former Olympiakos man told liverpoolfc.com.

“This is too much for every left-back in the world, but they give me the extra push all the time to work even harder if I want to win something for (my) personal goals.

“That’s what I did for these two years, and that’s what I will do for the next one also.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Tsimikas' attitude is superb. The left-back never complains. He simply gets on with the task at hand.

The reality is, we don't see Tsimikas ever forcing Robertson out of the team.

The Scotland international is one of the best offensive full-backs in the game. Robertson has scored eight goals and registered 52 assists in 224 appearances for Liverpool's first-team.

He is also contracted until the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign. If Tsimikas gets to a stage where he wants to play regular senior football, he will have to leave Liverpool.

But, we do hope that the 26-year-old remains at Anfield for many years to come. Tsimikas is superb back-up for Robertson.