Fabio Aurelio believes the increasing confidence of Kostas Tsimikas is driving the left-back’s performance levels and providing healthy competition to Andy Robertson.
The 26-year-old has become a more prominent figure in the Liverpool team during the first month of the season, starting in the Merseyside derby draw at Everton and playing the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win against Ajax on Tuesday. He was outstanding at Anfield midweek, providing the energy Jurgen Klopp had demanded and topping it off by setting up Joel Matip’s late winner.
The Greek's form has given Jurgen Klopp a new-found selection headache to ponder over during the international break, offering genuine competition for Robertson’s starting place for the first time since the Scot arrived in 2017. But fellow left-back Aurelio believes the competition arising from Tsimikas’ recent form can only push both players further.
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“I was impressed with Kostas Tsimikas again during Liverpool's win against AFC Ajax in the Champions League earlier this week,” Aurelio told Liverpool’s website . “Obviously it was a shame Andy Robertson was unavailable through injury but we're really seeing the benefits of having such good competition at left-back.
“Getting more game time and having the opportunity to show what kind of player he is, you can see the increase in Tsimikas' confidence massively, and that'll be helping his performance levels.
“It wasn't an easy start to Tsimikas' career at Anfield in 2020-21, only making seven appearances. For all the importance of training, the rhythm of games at this level are completely different to sessions. You can be well prepared but without the games you can suffer, in my opinion.
“It seems Jürgen Klopp is prepared to use both of his left-backs more than he did in previous campaigns. That can help push the levels of Robertson and Tsimikas even higher as both will want to be starting – helping the team at the same time. I see it as a win-win situation.”
Aurelio became Liverpool’s first ever Brazilian player when he joined in 2006, but the group of compatriots waiting to welcome Arthur Melo from Juventus - Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino - should help the midfielder bed in. Reds fans are yet to see much of the 26-year-old, but Aurelio believes there is no better place than under Jurgen Klopp for the loanee to finally realise his potential.
“I believe Arthur Melo is an interesting addition to this Liverpool squad, and it's obviously great the Brazilian legacy at Liverpool expands,” The former Red added. “I hope he has the same success as his compatriots.
“From what I know about him, he should fit really well in Liverpool's system. He's a player that likes to constantly be in the game, touching the ball, controlling the pace of play, liking to be dynamic – similar to what Thiago likes to do in a sense.
“I read Klopp highlighted Arthur's 'potential' shortly after he signed on loan. Here in Brazil, the expectations for him were really high prior to his move to Europe. He couldn't be in a better place to fulfil his potential than at Liverpool under this manager.”
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