Full-back to the future for Klopp
KOSTAS CAPTURE REVEALS CRUCIAL ROLE WIDE MEN WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY IN THE GERMAN’S PLANS
IT SAYS so much about the value of Liverpool’s full-backs to Jurgen Klopp that the first bit of business this summer was to sign cover in the position.
The Reds moved swiftly to bring in Kostas Tsimikas from Olympiakos last week – not to take Andy Robertson’s role at left-back, but to provide much-needed back up.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has Neco Williams behind him on the other flank – the 19-year-old signing a new five-year deal yesterday – while Joe Gomez can also fill in when required. Previously, Klopp had relied on versatile man James Milner to give Robertson cover.
But the £11.7million capture of Greece’s Tsimikas gives the Reds boss a natural option should Robertson be injured or need resting. Of course, Alexander-Arnold and Robertson will play every game possible. But, after a short summer break and a hectic schedule ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic, Klopp may not be able to be so reliant on the duo as, in his words, it could hurt their longevity in the game.
Alexander-Arnold played almost 93 per cent of Liverpool’s minutes in the Premier League last season while Robertson was not far behind with 91 per cent.
“It will be the most intense season probably of our lives,” said Klopp, looking ahead to the kick-off, which starts with the Community Shield on Saturday week. “And because of coronavirus, we cannot prepare perfectly for it because nobody knows exactly how the market will be in the next few months. “We are all rather positive than negative about the situation in the world out there, but we still have to work on it and we still have to wait for the proper solution, which is not there. “I’m not sure we can cover each potential problem we have like this but, this problem, I’m pretty happy with the solution. Let’s say Robbo and Trent cannot play 50-something games every season – it would limit their careers, to be honest. I’m really happy that we got this proper option.” Champions Liverpool meet FA Cup winners Arsenal at Wembley two weeks before they begin the defence of their Premier League title in a domestic season that will end on May 23 – just 19 days before the European Championship. Tsimikas is well aware he is back-up but his purchase, after a failed bid for Norwich’s Jamal Lewis, shows the Premier League champions will only make signings they really need.
And, for Klopp, that is ensuring cover for full-backs who have made 55 assists between them in the past two seasons. “Kostas is a signing which just shows what we are looking for, what we need,” said Klopp.
“Our full-backs in the way we play are so important with the skills they have, the speed they have and the crosses they bring in.”
I’m really happy we have proper option with him