Nachrichten

Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas has heaped praise on Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of the Nations League clash with England on Thursday

Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool (Image: 2024 Getty Images)

Liverpool's Greek defender Kostas Tsimikas has backed his Reds team-mate Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of their Nations League clash on Thursday, stating that the Englishman's stats "speak for themselves".

Interim England boss Lee Carsley has returned the 26-year-old to his usual right-back role in his first two matches at the helm.

‌

Under Gareth Southgate's reign, Alexander-Arnold was often utilised in a variety of midfield positions, including as a defensive midfielder during Euro 2024, and there were instances when he was omitted from the squad entirely, with Southgate typically favouring Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier at right-back.

Tsimikas believes that if his Anfield mate is selected by Carsley to start in defence for a third consecutive match at Wembley, it will be well earned after years of inconsistent international appearances.

‌

"It was definitely tough for him," he said. "Trent is the type of player who wants to be on the pitch. I'm really pleased for him over the last few games. He always performs."

"The numbers at Liverpool speak for themselves. He knows my opinion - for me, he's the best."

Tsimikas, who has racked up over 50 Premier League appearances since joining from Olympiacos in 2020, will be facing familiar opponents as Greece aim to maintain their lead over England at the top of the group.

‌

The 28-year-old, fresh from victories against Finland and the Republic of Ireland, is under no illusions about the challenge posed by Euro 2024 runners-up England.

"Of course, everybody knows England has the best talent in the world," he remarked. "I played against many of them for Liverpool so I know them quite well."

"We have to give absolutely everything to be 2000 per cent ready and focused."

‌

"Cole Palmer is personally one of the players I like the most. Always he delivers. He played very, very good in Chelsea. If he plays we have to be spot on from minute one."

Greece's coach Ivan Jovanovic, who stepped into the role following Gus Poyet's departure in March, has praised Gareth Southgate's impact on English football but noted a shift under new management.

"Southgate did a lot for English football," Jovanovic observed. "However the style has changed slightly under Lee Carsley."

‌

"He has instilled a bit more of a possession-based style and the players have a bit more creative freedom. The wingers (Bukayo) Saka and (Anthony) Gordon have more creative freedom."

"Wembley is a symbol of world football. But the team is not here for tourism, they have a match to play."

"England being one of the best teams in the world, it's a good measuring stick to see how the team measures up compared to the teams we've already played."