Kostas Tsimikas took to social media to heap praise on fellow Liverpool team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold after his impressive impact in Tuesday's Champions League win over Rangers.
Jurgen Klopp's side were crying out for three points in Group A after a shaky start to the season, which has seen a collection of the first-team squad singled out after below-par displays. Alexander-Arnold is the player who has been scrutinised to the greatest extent after seeing his defensive capabilities questioned both for club and country.
Overlooked by Gareth Southgate for both of recent England's UEFA Nations League fixtures, the England boss doubled down on his decision to keep the Liverpool right-back out of his plans after claiming Kieran Tripper was a better 'all-round player'.
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Further questions were asked of Alexander-Arnold on Saturday as Brighton snatched a point at Anfield. But the 23-year-old bounced back in style against Rangers, scoring from range to put the Reds ahead on the night as well as keeping a much-needed clean sheet.
Speaking after the game, Klopp insisted he never had any doubts over the defensive qualities of the No.66 and was pleased to see the Academy graduate get on the scoresheet.
Also singing the praises of the West Derby-born defender was the Reds' other full-back on Tuesday evening, Tsimikas. “You deserved it brother,” shared the Greek international on his Instagram story accompanied by an image of the pair at Anfield celebrating Alexander-Arnold's superb set-piece strike.
Providing his own reaction to the comments that have come his way of late, the 2019 Champions League winner told BT Sport: “No matter what I always try to think positively. People say things but for me, it’s about going out there and performing for the team. The only thing that matters is coming here getting the wins, helping the team. It’s been a slow start to the season for me but I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
“It’s going to be very busy. It’s what we’re used to, we’re used to playing three games a week. There’s no excuses, it’s exciting, when it’s coming thick and fast it’s exciting for us.”
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