Andy Robertson says new Liverpool signing Kostas Tsimikas looks a ‘really good player’ but insists he is determined to play as many games as possible for the Reds despite the arrival of a new left-back.
Tsimikas, 24, became Jurgen Klopp’s first summer signing when he completed a £12million move from Olympiacos last month.
The Greek international had developed into one of the Olympiacos’ most important players and made his first appearance for Liverpool during their pre-season tour.
Speaking out on Liverpool’s decision to sign Tsimikas, Robertson said: ‘He’s settled in very well. You can see him growing in confidence as a player and as a person in the squad and I think that’s credit to all the lads and all the staff.
‘Look, we’ve all been there, we all know how daunting it is walking into a new changing room and not knowing anyone and things like that, but I think we all know how that feels and we’re all very cautious of that so we try to make people feel as welcome as they can and as quickly as they can because the quicker you get the person out of his shell, the quicker you get the player out of his shell.
‘I think that’s what’s happened. I’ve seen him in training and he looks a really good player.
‘I can’t say I saw much of him playing for Olympiacos and things like that but it’s up to the club and they’ve obviously seen something there that can improve the squad and I’ve got no doubt he will do.’
Robertson, speaking to Liverpool’s official website, added: ‘For me personally, he’s obviously in my position and I want to stay the number one left-back.
want to play as many games as I can, to stay fit, to keep my levels high and I want to be playing every game.
‘That’s my aim [and] I’m sure he has similar aims but we need competition all over the park. We have competition in every place and it’s up to the lads that get the starting jersey to keep it and that’s certainly going to be my aim.
‘It’s my objective to do that and hopefully I can do that. I’ve had probably two-and-a-half seasons here which have been incredible and I feel as if I’ve played well and I’ve grown in stature and everything like that.
‘But it’s about continuing that and I’ll try to continue to do that and hopefully have another successful season ahead of me.’
Robertson made 50 appearances in all competitions last season as Liverpool won the Premier League by 22 points.
The Reds begin their title defence on September 12 against newly-promoted Leeds United.
