National media issue brutal verdict on Liverpool man's international performance - 'Worst on field'

Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas was ill during the last international break when his country, Greece, beat England at Wembley. This time, in the UEFA Nations League rematch on home soil, the Reds man returned to his side's starting XI.

But there was some mixed reviews about his performance. The Independent said Tsimikas "simply couldn't deal" with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke's direct running. Madueke was awarded a 9/10 rating, which would suggest that he emerged as the clear winner in that duel.

Similarly, The Guardian claimed Madueke "had the beating" of Tsimikas. The Liverpool full-back was substituted in the second half with under an hour on the clock and the Daily Mail rated the Liverpool defender’s performance at 4.5/10.

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Greek outlet Ta Nea labeled Tsimikas' performance the "worst on the field" and stated it expected more from him on the night. "Given that he plays in Liverpool and you expect more," it said. "Tsimikas didn't help much while he played and also missed the chance in the 30th minute when he had the chance to pass to Masoura, who was waiting alone."

Tsimikas has been rotating into the Liverpool team lately, with Andy Robertson not having been at his best so far this season. But the Greek remains second choice under Arne Slot.

"To an extent, yeah," Robertson admitted recently when asked if he felt he had a point to prove after Tsimikas had replaced him for a couple of games. "I've maybe got doubters for the first time in a long time at this club, so I'm just trying to prove people wrong again.

"I missed pre-season which is never ideal for any player and then with the ankle, I was struggling and got another knock on it which took a bit of time to settle down.

"But I feel good. Taking a couple of games out was frustrating — of course you want to play every game — but that wasn't possible. I knew the next time I got a chance, I would try and take it."

Liverpool.com says: At some point in the relatively near future, Liverpool might need to buy a left-back. Robertson has around 18 months left on his contract and Tsimikas isn't much younger. In three of four years' time, neither are likely to be at Anfield so a long-term fix will be required.