Steve Nicol has criticised two Liverpool players who he feels could hold the Reds back in terms of a potential Premier League title challenge.

As of Tuesday morning, the Reds are second in the table and only two points behind Arsenal, although Jurgen Klopp’s side just about preserved their 100% Anfield record this season after a quickfire late comeback to triumph 4-3 over Fulham on Sunday.

Speaking on ESPN FC, the former Reds right-back was asked if he’d go along with Craig Burley’s assessment that LFC’s defence would cost them in trying to compete with the Gunners and Manchester City for the title.

Nicol replied: “I do agree because right now, [Trent] Alexander-Arnold and [Kostas] Tsimikas are not good defenders. If you’ve got half of your back four who are not good defenders, it shouldn’t really be a surprise that you’re giving up chances and goals.”

Admittedly the Fulham match wasn’t the finest hour-and-a-half for Liverpool’s back four, but it’s not as if the Reds are in the midst of a defensive crisis. Prior to Sunday they’d shipped just two goals over their previous five league games, while only Arsenal have conceded fewer in the top flight so far this term.

The £75,000-per-week Tsimikas has set up almost as many Premier League goals (three) as his team have conceded (five) since he came in for the injured Andy Robertson in October, as per Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, Trent – whose defensive qualities have been subjected to much scrutiny in the past – has more than made up for any such lapses with his huge impact at the other end of the pitch over the last couple of weeks.

Liverpool have conceded 12 goals in as many league games with the £180,000-per-week England international in the team. Kyle Walker – who’s been Man City’s go-to right-back for much of the season so far – has been part of a defence which has shipped 16 goals in 14 top-flight matches (Transfermarkt).

There is scope for the Reds’ full-backs to improve defensively, but it’s harsh from Nicol to declare that the two current starters in those positions are ‘not good defenders’.

You can view Nicol’s comments below (from 1:40), via ESPN FC on YouTube:

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What a game it was at Anfield as Liverpool heroically fought back to claim a late 4-3 victory over Fulham and it’s safe to say that Kostas Tsimikas enjoyed the win.

After Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the late winner, the scenes were as chaotic as you would expect.

READ MORE: (Video) Szoboszlai, Nunez and Klopp share manic hug in celebrating Liverpool triumph

New footage has shown how the Greek Scouser celebrated though, as he grabbed a steward and screamed in his face in sheer joy.

The smile from the man in the high-vis shows just how much he enjoyed it too and it will no doubt be a moment that will be remembered by all involved, for a long time.

You can watch the footage of Tsimikas and the steward (from 0:15) via @LFC on X:

Scenes indeed, @TrentAA pic.twitter.com/7ztLTYu5PO

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2023

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Even with Liverpool cruising for much of the second half against LASK on Thursday night, Jurgen Klopp was still vexed with one of his players over an erratic moment at Anfield, issuing a stern three-word message.

In a piece for the Liverpool Echo, journalists Paul Gorst and Theo Squires compiled a list of tidbits which the main TV coverage would likely have missed.

One of those was an angry reaction from Curtis Jones towards Kostas Tsimikas after the midfielder took up a promising position at the edge of the penalty box, only for the Greek defender to overhit a long ball to the back post which had to be retrieved by Harvey Elliott.

It wasn’t just the Scouser who had words for the 27-year-old, either, with the article noting: “Jones wasn’t the only man inside Anfield to get frustrated with Tsimikas on Thursday night. Manager Jurgen Klopp did at one point in the second half too after the same erratic cross.

“The German could be seen screaming on the sidelines, before holding his hands up to his face to gesture glasses. He has, after all, not needed his trademark spectacles for a number of years now.

” ‘Open your eyes!’ was the accompanying call, albeit perhaps more family-friendly, if the ECHO’s lip-reading skills upon observing the replay in the Anfield press box are to be trusted!”

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READ MORE: (Image) Curtis Jones heaps two-word praise on Liverpool teammate who won 6 duels v LASK

While deputising for the injured Andy Robertson, Tsimikas had a night to forget away to Toulouse in the Europa League last month, but followed it up with two assists against Brentford and a decent display at Manchester City.

He came very close to scoring in the first half last night with one fizzing shot which thundered off the crossbar and had a largely tidy performance, although his distribution from the left could indeed have been better at times. As per Sofascore, he found a teammate with only one of his four crosses.

Even with Liverpool comfortable at 3-0 when the Greece defender failed to pick out Jones midway through the second half, the reaction from the midfielder and Klopp made it very clear that the Reds were in no mood to let their standards drop despite the result virtually being in the bag by that point.

It’s a facet of Tsimikas’ game on which he can still improve, but he showed against Brentford that he can be a very useful supplier of goals when at his best, so hopefully we’ll see that side of him a few more times before Robertson comes back.

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If it makes Kostas Tsimikas feel any better, his nearly-worldie goal would have been ruled out for offside had it flown in under the bar.

But by God what a strike it was from the Greek international, who struck the ball with some venom from the corner of the 18-yard box.

Tobias Lawal was utterly powerless to stop the thunderbolt of an attempt on goal and it’s still such a shame that it didn’t creep under the bar, offside or no!

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @RoomOfPL:

Tsimikas inches away from a worldie! OFF THE BAR!pic.twitter.com/ePgy5HnmTl

— Liverpool vs Fulham Live Stream (@RoomOfPL) November 30, 2023

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Kostas Tsimikas is proving to be an able deputy for Andy Robertson at the moment and had a great performance against Manchester City, in the 1-1 draw.

Other than bullying Phil Foden off the ball and showing off his defensive talents, our No.21 was also great with the supporters.

READ MORE: (Video) Darwin Nunez gestures for more atmosphere inside Etihad Stadium

Thanks to the ‘Inside’ series on the club’s YouTube channel, we can see that the Greek Scouser threw his shirt into the crowd after the game.

It’s yet another reason to love the 27-year-old who is clearly very fond of being a Red.

You can watch the video of Tsimikas (from 13:38) via Liverpool FC on YouTube:

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Kostas Tsimikas has been enjoying an extended run in the team now that Andy Robertson is out injured and his performance against Manchester City was impressive.

In one moment during the first-half, our No.21 was given the chance to show off his strength against Phil Foden.

READ MORE: Mo Salah’s nine-word assessment of City draw is telling; elite mentality

Instead of seeing the ball go out for a throw-in or lose possesion, the Greek Scouser managed to win the ball and launch a counter attack.

The task was always going to be big for our left-back at the Etihad Stadium but he stood up to the test and helped Jurgen Klopp’s side secure a point.

You can watch the Tsimikas tackle courtesy of Sky Sports (via @TrentroleLFC on X):

Watched this 9999 times still can't stop laughing pic.twitter.com/UMzlfjODuQ

— (@TrentroleLFC) November 26, 2023

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Liverpool fans already have a soft spot for Kostas Tsimikas but after our game with Manchester City, the defender has provided us all yet another reason to love him.

The 27-year-old spoke about the late equaliser and said: “Of course, we have confidence  – we are Scousers, you know!”

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The little laugh from the Greek Scouser afterwards is great and shows why he’s such a well respected member of Jurgen Klopp’s star-studded squad.

Our fans love it when players get on board with the local humour and dialect and you can’t say that the left-back hasn’t tried his very best to do that.

You can watch Tsimikas’ comments courtesy of LFCTV (via @lfcvana on X):

“We are Scousers, you know.” pic.twitter.com/3Wxh65tA3h

— ✪ (@lfcvana) November 25, 2023

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Liverpool fans are well aware of the fact that we seem to be repeatedly handed 12:30 kick-offs after international breaks and Kostas Tsimikas has shared the players’ thoughts on this too.

Speaking with liverpoolfc.com, the Greek said: ‘everybody knows, most of the time we play 12.30 after the international break’.

This was a snippet from a full interview and whether it was a deliberate dig or not, it’s clear that the players are also growing in frustration at how often this same event keeps reoccurring.

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TNT Sports only have access to the early kick-off on a Saturday afternoon and so they always want to have a big team on the television to draw in larger audiences.

In a way, this is a compliment to show that we are one of the most sought after clubs but there should be some third party adjudicator that can ensure that this reduced recovery time – especially after international breaks – is fairly distributed.

There is always a valid argument that our opponents have to play at the same time too but if we play in more of these fixtures than anyone else, then we are at an unfair disadvantage.

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Having a large fanbase and a squad of star-studded international players is used against us and it’s really not fair.

Perhaps Jurgen Klopp should take a leaf out of Pep Guardiola’s book and start to refuse players from being allowed to travel with their nations, so that we can be as fresh as possible when domestic football resumes.

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Kostas Tsimikas has explained why he didn’t feature for Greece in their 2-2 draw against France on Tuesday night.

The Liverpool defender was a notable absentee from Gus Poyet’s side for their concluding Euro 2024 Group B qualifier, which may have prompted some worries among Reds supporters of an injury.

However, the 27-year-old has since outlined that he took the decision to sit out last night’s fixture with a view on the bigger picture for club and country, with his national team now destined for the qualifying play-offs in March.

Tsimikas told liverpoolfc.com: “I could not play in the game against France because if I should take a yellow card, I would not play in the [play-off] games in March, which are more important than the one against France.

“I decided to come back earlier to the team, to be with the squad, to train with the team, to be more ready. It was my decision and this is what I wanted to do because, as everybody knows, most of the time we play 12.30 after the international break and even the players who played far, they didn’t come yet, they come probably one day, two days before the game.

“For me, I think it was a very good chance to come earlier to be with the team and to train hard.”

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Tsimikas’ explanation for missing the France game will be music to the ears of Liverpool fans, especially with the trip to Manchester City coming up on Saturday.

While several Reds players will return to Merseyside in midweek after long journeys away on international duty, the Greek defender will be fresh from not having played since last Friday.

His national team were bound for the qualifying play-offs even before last night, their slim hopes of automatic qualification having been ended by Netherlands’ win over Republic of Ireland at the weekend, so he knew there’s much greater importance on the next game for his club.

At least by the time Greece are in play-off action, Andy Robertson should be back fit, thus reducing Liverpool’s dependency on Tsimikas should anything happen to him during the spring international window.

For now, we can just be glad that he recognised the folly of potentially playing against France and picking up either a costly injury or suspension, and that he’ll be very much raring to go for a frantic month-long period which sees the Reds play 10 times, starting with the crunch visit to the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

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Alisson Becker has heaped huge praise on one of his Liverpool teammates, claiming the 27-year-old is an ‘even better’ person than he is a player.

Kostas Tsimikas has featured regularly under Jurgen Klopp in recent weeks filling in at left back for the injured Andy Robertson.

The Greek Scouser has threw in some mixed performances but after picking up two assists during the Reds’ 3-0 defeat of Brentford last time out, our No. 1 was keen to single him out for praise.

“He’s a lovely guy. I think he brings so much joy to our team every day here,” Alisson told Premier League Productions (via The Boot Room). “It’s a pleasure for me to work together here with him.

“Not talking about his qualities as a player, he is a fantastic player as well; top skills, but as a person [he’s] even better.”

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There’s no doubting that Robertson is Jurgen Klopp’s preferred option at left back but Tsimikas has proved on numerous occasions down the years that he’s a brilliant option to call upon.

He is often caught in possession which is something the former Olympiacos man can work on but in an attacking sense he’s really impressive.

Joe Gomez has at times been selected ahead of our No. 21 at full-back so it will be interesting to see who our German tactician picks to start against Manchester City next weekend.

With the amount of quality City’s possess in the wide areas in particular, our defenders are going to have their work cut out.

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Kostas Tsimikas was one of a handful of Liverpool stars left with a point to prove after a poor showing in France in the Europa League.

The Greek international was directly responsible for Toulouse’s opener, needlessly conceding a turnover in his own half after dallying on the ball.

However, it was a much-improved outing at home, with Neil Mellor rightly crediting the former Olympiakos defender (signed for £11.75m in 2020) after a ‘really good performance’.

“I also want to highlight Kostas Tsimikas, who put in a really good performance and showed a great reaction after midweek,” the former Red spoke on the Review Show (courtesy of liverpoolfc.com). “I’m really pleased for Kostas, he got two assists and gave us great width down that left side and good energy.”

Tsimikas looks set to continue to deputise for Andy Robertson amid the Scotsman’s ongoing recovery from a shoulder issue.

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Start or bench v Manchester City

It’s one thing contributing to our offensive prowess against Brentford and quite another entirely to demonstrate defensive solidity against the title holders.

Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City will offer our toughest challenge yet and, perhaps, the clearest indication of how seriously neutrals need to take the idea of a title challenge from Liverpool.

In which case, might Jurgen Klopp opt for the defensive nous of Joe Gomez? Or keep the faith in Tsimikas?

Only a point separates the league-topping Sky Blues from Liverpool (2nd) and Arsenal (3rd).

Could we prove to be the surprise package this year?

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Two goals from Mo Salah and a fantastic Diogo Jota strike helped Liverpool return to winning ways as they dispatched Brentford at Anfield.

It was the perfect response to the midweek Europa League defeat to Toulouse, and one man who endured a difficult night in France would’ve silenced his critics with a redemptive performance this afternoon.

Kostas Tsimikas was horribly caught in possession for the Ligue 1 club’s opening goal on Thursday but he came good for the Reds today, providing the assists for both second half strikes against the Bees.

READ MORE: (Video) Joel Matip simply couldn’t believe how he was booked against Brentford

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Ian Doyle gave the 27-year-old a 7/10 in his player ratings for the Liverpool Echo, with the left-back ‘more steady defensively than in midweek’ as he ‘took opportunities to augment attack, particularly when crossing for second goal’.

Meanwhile, the match statistics from Sofascore highlighted the impact that the Greece international made this afternoon.

The two assists were the obvious standout, with Tsimikas ending the day with three key passes and three successful crosses (best of any Reds player for both metrics), along with completing 34 of his 40 passes (85% success rate).

The Greek Scouser also impressed defensively, winning five duels along with making two tackles and one interception.

With plenty of scrutiny on the 27-year-old amid Andy Robertson’s long-term injury absence, performances like this will go a long way towards reassuring Liverpool fans that our number 21 can be a reliable deputy until the Scot regains full fitness.

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Former Liverpool man Steve McManaman was not impressed by the performance of one of Jurgen Klopp’s stars in particular last night as the Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat to Toulouse in the Europa League.

It was the first time the Anfield outfit have dropped points in Europe this season.

Liverpool struggled to find any rhythm against the Ligue 1 outfit and although they were denied a late equaliser following a VAR check, ex-Red McManaman claimed Kostas Tsimikas ‘just fell asleep’ in the build-up to Toulouse’s opening goal in the first-half.

“It was poor from Tsimikas, just fell asleep and allowed the opposition to get into the game,” McManaman said on TNT Sports (as quoted by The Boot Room). “Caiomhin Kelleher has no chance with the deflection, flies off Jarell Quansah’s leg into the net.

“A very unlikely lead for the home side, and not a good look at all from the Liverpool left-back.”

READ MORE: Pundit says 27-y/o Liverpool man’s performance against Toulouse ‘would be a worry’ for Jurgen Klopp

Steve Nicol was also critical of the Greek international’s performance last night.

The 27-year-old was miles off the pace, as were many others in a red shirt, with Klopp making nine changes from the side that drew with Luton Town on Sunday.

We only started to play football once we were 2-0 down and although an own-goal offered us brief hope with 20 minutes remaining, Toulouse regained their two-goal lead just two minutes later.

We were nowhere near solid enough defensively and it was no surprise to see Tsimikas substituted at half-time.

With Andy Robertson currently sidelined with a shoulder injury this was our No. 21’s chance to prove he’s got what it takes to be in the starting XI.

He’s struggled, however, and we therefore wouldn’t be surprised to see Joe Gomez start at left back against Brentford on Sunday.

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Steve McManaman was far from impressed with Kostas Tsimikas in Liverpool’s Europa League meeting with Toulouse.

The Greek international (signed for £11.75m in 2020) was directly at fault for the opener after being caught ‘asleep’ at the wheel.

“It was poor from Tsimikas, just fell asleep and allowed the opposition to get into the game,” the former Red spoke on TNT Sports (via BBC Sport).

“Caiomhin Kelleher has no chance with the deflection, flies off Jarell Quansah’s leg into the net.

“A very unlikely lead for the home side, and not a good look at all from the Liverpool left-back.”

Evidently, Jurgen Klopp felt it wasn’t the former Olympiakos man’s night either, substituting his fullback at the half-time break.

READ MORE: Confirmed Liverpool lineup: Luis Diaz starts amid 9 changes vs Toulouse

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Poor from Kostas Tsimikas

We’re huge fans of Tsimikas generally, however, his latest display in France leaves us with questions over who should be our first-choice left-back once we return to domestic action.

It’s worth pointing out that we looked a more threatening side following the 27-year-old’s arrival on the pitch against Luton Town.

That said, with a big meeting at the Etihad on the horizon after the international break, one might imagine Klopp will want a relatively settled option.

Barring any surprises, we’d imagine whoever begins the game against Brentford will also be favoured on 25th November.

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Kostas Tsimikas may be due for a sleepless night should Liverpool fail to recover from conceding the opener at Toulouse.

The fullback was guilty of dallying on the ball and subsequently suffering an entirely avoidable turnover inside his own half.

The hosts gratefully took advantage, with Aron Donnum racing into the box before firing past Caoimhin Kelleher.

Not the best look amid questions over our best starting left-back amid Andy Robertson’s injury.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of TNT Sports:

Toulouse lead out of nowhere!

The side currently 14th in Ligue 1 are beating Liverpool 1-0… #UEL pic.twitter.com/EzJyPzstLX

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 9, 2023

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