Left-back alternatives assessed after Kostas Tsimikas start – “Surely you don’t want that” – Liverpool FC

Who Should Replace Andy Robertson at Left-Back for Liverpool?

In light of Andy Robertson’s expected three-month absence due to a shoulder injury, Liverpool fans are engaged in a lively debate over who should fill the left-back position in his absence.

The Scottish international dislocated his shoulder while on duty for his national team and has undergone surgery to address the issue.

This leaves Liverpool without their dependable left-back, who has been a mainstay in the team for the past five years.

Kostas Tsimikas seems to be the obvious choice as Robertson’s replacement, having started in the Merseyside derby against Everton. However, not everyone is convinced of his abilities just yet.

During Monday’s episode of the “Live at 5” show on This Is Anfield‘s YouTube and podcast platforms, Gareth Roberts expressed his dissatisfaction with Tsimikas’ performance against Everton, describing it as “bad.”

Gareth suggested that Joe Gomez would be a more suitable choice as Robertson’s replacement, favoring the English center-back over the Greek international.

In the recent derby match, Liverpool’s No. 21 was substituted by Darwin Nunez after 62 minutes, and Luis Diaz deputized in an unfamiliar left-back role.

While Tsimikas is a natural left-back, his performances thus far have failed to impress, although they can hardly be called poor.

Meanwhile, young players Luke Chambers and Calum Scanlon have been training with the first team and could also be contenders for the position.

Paul Cope also expressed doubts about Tsimikas, stating, “When they announced his new contract, I was shocked.”

The Liverpool supporter further explained his skepticism, saying, “Even if we continued playing the style where Robertson was an attacking full-back, Tsimikas still wouldn’t have had the opportunity to give Robertson a rest.”

“They clearly don’t rate him highly enough to give Robertson the rest he needs,” Cope added.

“Moreover, this season and towards the end of the previous season, our system has changed, with Robertson playing as a hybrid left-sided center-back at times. He’s no longer the marauding full-back he once was.”

“This means Tsimikas is the backup for that role, and that’s not ideal,” he continued.

Cope reiterated his belief that Liverpool should have signed another defender in the summer transfer window.

“If money was an issue, they should have sold Tsimikas and bought another versatile player like Joe Gomez,” Cope argued.

“This is my concern with the lack of defensive signings in the summer.

“Imagine if they had brought in another player like Joe Gomez who can cover multiple positions across the defense. That would make a huge difference to the squad.”

Although Gomez has previously played at left-back, signing him for that position would potentially diminish Liverpool’s attacking prowess.

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* Paul Cope and Gareth Roberts are featured on a new show by This Is Anfield and The Late Challenge Podcast.

A live show airs every Monday at 5pm (UK) on This Is Anfield’s YouTube channel, and a second show is available every Wednesday.

You can also listen to the audio version here.