NewsTsimikas: Trying to catch the best boosts me to be better

The Greece international, now in his second season with the Reds, made his 14th start of the campaign on Saturday in the 3-1 Premier League win over Norwich City.

Brought in to the XI as one of seven changes by Jürgen Klopp, the left-back provided an astute headed assist for his side’s equaliser as they came from a goal down to secure a victory that moved them three points closer to leaders Manchester City.

Settled on Merseyside and with his on-pitch fortunes vastly improved this term, Tsimikas feels he is progressing in all aspects – and wants to keep pushing further.

“I enjoy life here a lot,” said the 25-year-old in a recent matchday programme interview.

“I enjoy life in England and I enjoy life as a Liverpool player a lot. Obviously the first year was not as I hoped and was the most difficult year of my career so far in football.

“Now the second year is going good and I have improved a lot as a player and as a person, I think. I have learned a lot. I have learned to work harder and obviously in the positions here you have the best in the world.

“For me, I have to challenge Robbo and to try to catch the best gives me an extra boost to be the best. The most important thing is to work hard if you want to achieve your goals. I think I have done that all the time I was here and I will do it for the rest of my Liverpool career.”

Klopp’s men are currently on an eight-match winning streak in all competitions and have two more hugely significant games ahead this week.

Leeds United visit Anfield in the league on Wednesday night, when victory for Liverpool would move them to within three points of City at the top.

Then on Sunday afternoon, silverware is on the line as the Reds take on Chelsea at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final – a chance for Tsimikas to achieve one of his main objectives.

“Of course, I am looking forward to going to Wembley,” he said. “When I first came to Liverpool the first game the team played was the Community Shield against Arsenal at Wembley, so for me this will be the second final with this jersey, with this family.

“I am looking forward to this game and we have to be focused as always and do exactly what we did in the last round against Arsenal – give absolutely everything to win a trophy.

“One of my first goals when I came here was to win a trophy with this team. Hopefully this is going to be a good start to it and we can continue to win more trophies.”