In Focus: Tsimikas pushing to steal Robbo's starting spot

It has been full steam ahead for Andrew Robertson this season, with the flying Scotsman’s displays keeping Liverpool’s title pursuit firmly on track.

A standout performer in his fifth campaign at Anfield, the Glasgow native is at the peak of his powers right now — and the strong early-season showings of Kostas Tsimikas might be partly responsible.

As Jurgen Klopp prepares his side for this afternoon’s trip to Tottenham, we take a look at how the arrival of top-quality competition has spurred 27-year-old Robertson on to new heights this term.

Left-back back-up

Tsimikas joined Liverpool in August last year but was sidelined for most of the first half of the season, mainly due to thigh and knee issues.

This meant that Robertson’s understudy was effectively James Milner — the Swiss Army knife of the Reds’ squad, but by no means an out-and-out left-back.

As such, Robertson’s place in the side neverreally came under threat at any stage of the campaign, though he continued to perform to a high standard regardless.

Tsimikas' chance

For the opening fixture of this season however, Robertson was sidelined with an ankle problem, giving Tsimikas the opportunity to impress in a 3-0 win at Norwich.

The Greece international would really make his mark the following week though, creating four chances as Liverpool beat Burnley 2-0 at Anfield — including a sumptuous cross for Diogo Jota’s opening goal.

Robertson returned for the next game against Chelsea, but he will no doubt have been among those impressed by Tsimikas’ stand-in stint.

Comfort for Klopp

Speaking about the left-back position last month, Klopp voiced his pleasure at now having two strong options to choose from.

The German said: "It’s much better than it was before when we had no real solution and Milly [Milner] had to play there, which he did exceptionally well.

"I’m really happy about the development of Kostas, really happy. But Robbo [Robertson] is Robbo. He’s an outstanding player.

"I’m really happy that Kostas shows up like he shows up.

"Robbo needed half a year, Kostas needed around about a year. That’s how it is, but now we see how good he really is and that’s really good news for us."

Flying high

The Reds have been on fire in recent weeks — and the same can be said of Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

The pair are among the very best attacking full-backs in world football.

Both spend plenty of time deep inside opposition territory just as Klopp’s trademark gegenpress naturally facilitates, while their symmetry is an important factor in the Merseysiders' ability to dominate possession.

But Robertson distinguishes himself from Alexander-Arnold through his more aggressive playing style and regular rampaging runs.

Be it when carrying the ball or chasing down an opponent, Robertson's infectious energy has made him one of Anfield's most popular figures.

Stat attack

Alexander-Arnold is the only Premier League defender to provide more assists (14) than Robertson (11) since the start of last season.

To further underline Robertson’s huge creative contribution to this Liverpool team, he ranks joint-sixth in the entire division for big chances created over the same period (16).

That places him alongside the likes of team-mate Sadio Mane and Manchester City maestro Jack Grealish — not bad company for a defender to be keeping.

Klopp may feel he has two quality options at left-back and he is right, but the numbers only serve to reinforce Robertson’s indispensability.