Italian media issue clear verdict on ex-Liverpool star Kostas Tsimikas after ‘perfect’ moment for Roma

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Italian media have reacted to Kostas Tsimikas’ first start at AS Roma after the 2-1 win against Nice in the Europa League.

The Greek international arrived at the Stadio Olimpico in a season-long loan move from Liverpool on deadline day.

Milos Kerkez’s £40 million acquisition from Bournemouth meant Tsimikas found himself as the third-choice option at left-back at the beginning of the season.

Although the defender has produced some incredible moments for the Reds over the years, including the FA Cup final-winning penalty against Chelsea in 2022, he has never been able to establish himself as a regular starter at Anfield.

Indeed, he was signed from Olympiakos in 2020 with the sole purpose of providing capable cover for Andy Robertson; however, Tsimikas failed to mount a serious challenge to the Scotsman throughout his five-year spell.

Now, he is facing a similar situation behind Angelino at AS Roma, but he appears set for more regular involvement in Italy after his display in the Europa League.

Kostas Tsimikas produces a perfect moment on his full Roma debut

Arne Slot held talks with Tsimikas during the summer, and the pair agreed it was best for all involved if he left Anfield in search of regular first-team football.

While the expectations were never particularly high, Tsimikas received intense criticism for his sporadic displays last season, with calls suggesting the Greek is not of the required standard for Liverpool.

However, Tsimikas has certainly made an impression in his first start for his new club, after he assisted Gianluca Mancini with a picture-perfect cross for the eventual match-winner.

Tuttomercato awarded the defender a 7/10 match rating on his full debut, writing: “Attacks a lot down the left flank, initially lacking precision in his crosses. Then he adjusts his aim and delivers a perfect cross for Mancini, who scores the 2-0.”

Calciomercato gave a slightly lower 6.5/10 rating but also placed emphasis on Tsimikas’ perfect delivery: “First start since his spell in the derby. He makes his mark on the left and showcases his talent. In the 38th minute, a perfect cross finds Mancini, who heads home, but the goal is ruled out for offside. The second half repeats itself, and everything is fine.”

At one stage, it appeared likely that Tsimikas would remain on Merseyside as TBR Football reported on Atletico Madrid’s pursuit of Robertson in June, but once the 31-year-old declared his intention to rebuff the interest, it became apparent that it would be the ‘Greek Scouser’ who would depart.

What did Gian Piero Gasperini say about Kostas Tsimikas?

The AS Roma boss was initially critical of his side’s defending as Nice were allowed back into the match when Terem Moffi converted his penalty in the 77th minute, halving the deficit.

Nevertheless, manager Gian Piero Gasperini paid homage to his new defender in his post-match interview following the win in France, and his comments suggest Tsimikas will have a regular role at Roma this season.

“We have a lot of games to play, and in that role, we’ve got both Tsimikas and Angelino, who are equally reliable. Angelino has done well in recent matches, and tonight it was Tsimikas, even though he’s also coming back after several months out. He had a good game.

Their strongest asset is their left foot, as they both have a good strike on them. They’re similar players in terms of attributes and not being especially versatile. They don’t play at centre-back, they don’t play further forward – so they’re very specific to that role. I tend to alternate them, but with so many matches, both of them give us security and reliability.”