Today could really be 27-year-old Liverpool player’s final chance to save his Anfield career

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Liverpool simply have to up their game today as Brentford travel to Anfield in the Premier League.

A draw away at Luton Town last weekend was followed up by a Europa League loss against Toulouse. Both games left a bad taste in the mouth for Liverpool fans.

It must be said that there were under-par performances littered throughout the two games. But few stood out quite as much as the desperately lethargic Kostas Tsimikas.

The stand-in left-back has looked woefully off the pace all season. Having been given the responsibility of stepping in for the injured Andy Robertson some may have expected the Greek to raise his level. But instead, he looks to have gone backwards.

That culminated on Thursday, with a 45-minute display which was slammed by former Liverpool player Steve Nicol. The pundit claimed that Tsimikas had been ‘poor’ not only against Toulouse, but in the games leading up to that too.

Having been hauled off at half-time after gifting Toulouse the opening goal, there’s every chance that Kostas is out of the XI for today’s game. But if he does find himself selected, he has to do much better.

Tsimikas approaching last-chance saloon

In ordinary circumstances, there’s no way that Tsimikas would be playing again after such a disappointing run of games.

But with issues in the midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold may be moved from his usual right-back position. That would mean Tsimikas’ likely competition – Joe Gomez – will be needed at right-back.

As a result, it looks like Kostas might get the chance to atone for his recent poor run.

If he can, then there will be positivity surrounding him going into an international break. With Robertson still a little way away from a return, Tsimikas can still build on that in the meantime and restore his reputation.

But another poor display will solidify the view that the 27-year-old can no longer be counted on, even as a back-up. Disappoint again, and Jurgen Klopp may have to change things once the international break is done.

Even armed with his recently signed contract, that would cast major doubt on his Liverpool future. January is approaching, and Kostas doesn’t want the Reds to go into a transfer window thinking they may need a left-back.

With Robertson still missing, Tsimikas will of course play again between now and the Scot’s return. But after some really turgid showings, the writing may be one the wall if he offers another one up today.

Fingers crossed the Greece international comes out fighting and shows that he can still be counted on whenever needed. Fail to deliver, and it could have far-reaching consequences. Come on, Kostas!