Andy Robertson’s Struggles vs Arsenal and Tsimikas’ Rising Potential

In Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, left-back Andy Robertson’s performance left much to be desired. David Lynch, speaking on Media Matters for Anfield Index, offered a nuanced take on Robertson’s struggles, examining both his individual errors and the larger tactical challenges. Lynch also discussed the opportunity this situation presents for Kostas Tsimikas, who has been making a strong case for a regular starting role in Liverpool’s lineup.

Andy Robertson’s Difficult Day at the Emirates

Lynch began by addressing Robertson’s unusually subpar performance, noting that the Scottish international “really struggled,” particularly in one-on-one battles against Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka. Saka’s pace and positioning on the right wing posed consistent challenges for Robertson, with Lynch observing that the player often “ended up in one-vs-one situations,” leading to moments where he was caught out of position. Robertson’s failure to close down effectively and his occasional diving into tackles highlighted a concerning drop in his defensive reliability.

Lynch contextualised this performance, noting that although Robertson has had a stellar career with Liverpool, he may be losing the sharpness that made him one of the Premier League’s top left-backs. “Even if he’s past his peak now… he’s never been quite as bad as he was in that first half,” Lynch remarked. The journalist suggested that Liverpool’s left-back position may require fresh competition, particularly given the physical demands placed on full-backs in Arne Slot’s 4-2-4 system.

Tsimikas Steps Up: A Competitor for the Starting Role

Turning to Kostas Tsimikas, Lynch praised the Greek defender for his impressive recent performances and suggested that Tsimikas could realistically challenge Robertson for the starting left-back position. “Tsimikas is possibly having a better season than Robertson at the moment,” Lynch commented, noting that Tsimikas’ consistent quality in possession and his effective defensive play have made him a valuable alternative on Liverpool’s left side. Tsimikas has demonstrated skill in crossing, both from set pieces and open play, and has shown reliability in his defensive responsibilities when called upon.

Lynch highlighted the fact that, unlike previous seasons when Tsimikas was seen solely as a backup, his recent form has propelled him into contention for a starting role. “He’s making a case to push his way in,” Lynch observed, suggesting that Liverpool manager Arne Slot may consider Tsimikas as a serious option for high-stakes matches. Tsimikas’ performances, especially in high-pressure scenarios, have raised questions about whether he might offer a steadier presence in Liverpool’s current tactical setup.

Tactical Adjustments and the Need for Depth

Lynch argued that Liverpool’s evolving system under Slot might necessitate a rethink of the left-back position altogether. Slot’s 4-2-4 formation often leaves full-backs isolated, placing greater pressure on their one-on-one defending. Lynch noted that Robertson’s struggles with Saka were compounded by this setup, which frequently left him exposed without cover. “Your full-backs will get asked to defend one-on-one quite a bit,” Lynch explained, adding that Liverpool may need to evaluate whether their left-back options are up to the task in this system.

This tactical shift could open the door for Tsimikas, who has shown resilience in similar scenarios and may be better suited to adapt to Slot’s demands. Lynch speculated that if Robertson continues to struggle in these roles, Liverpool could look to the transfer market for additional support, especially as the January window approaches. “It’s an area Liverpool could look to strengthen,” he suggested, underscoring the importance of left-back depth as Liverpool seeks to compete on multiple fronts this season.

The Road Ahead: Robertson vs. Tsimikas

In concluding his analysis, Lynch suggested that the competition between Robertson and Tsimikas could serve as a catalyst for improvement. While he acknowledged Robertson’s valuable contributions over the years, Lynch argued that the club might benefit from “a younger, closer-to-peak player” in this role. Robertson’s experience and legacy remain important to Liverpool, but Tsimikas’ form gives Slot options that could keep both players motivated and ensure the position remains competitive.

Lynch’s insights on Robertson and Tsimikas underscore the evolving nature of Liverpool’s squad under Slot. As Robertson faces challenges adapting to a more isolated defensive role, Tsimikas’ consistent performances offer Liverpool a valuable alternative—and potentially a new starting left-back option as the season progresses.