The Premier League is viewed as one of the best football competitions in the world, by virtue of how difficult it is to be successful in it and if it is considered a huge achievement to be crowned champions, it is even more significant when a club retains the trophy the following season.
Significance that will not be lost on current champions Liverpool and although they were by far the dominant force in the Premier League last season, manager Jurgen Klopp knows that he and his players cannot rest on their laurels.
To the point where reinforcements are already being considered for their attempt at defending the Premier League crown and although there will be no revolution on Merseyside, there is certainly room for evolution.
While with the news that one addition has already been made, it will serve as a warning to Liverpool’s nearest rivals – a warning that says, they are not prepared to relinquish their status as champions without a fight.
A fight that sees Kostas Tsimikas join Liverpool’s defensive ranks and with the 24-year old linking up from Olympiakos, it will give manager Klopp an additional option in terms of who to select at left-back.
With that said, Andrew Robertson will undoubtedly be first choice again next season and after a string of incredible performances throughout the 2019/20 campaign, it would be incredibly harsh to drop the Scottish defender.
However, the fact that Robinson not only has competition but also someone who can allow him the opportunity to rest will be important and especially when you consider how condensed this season will be.
With a deadline of May 2021 needed to get everything finished before the European Championships the following month, time is of the essence and with a delayed start to their league defence (that being September instead of August), a month of potential action has already been lost.
Which means, if Liverpool are to not only challenge domestically but also win a seventh Champions League trophy, the fixtures are going to come around a lot quicker than usual and it is here where Kostas Tsimikas will prove to be invaluable.
With the Greek international already possessing experience in Europe’s top club competition, he will be a key asset in the early stages of next season’s Champions League – not to mention the ability to be deployed in the early rounds of the EFL and F.A. Cups.
With Tsimikas now on board and an additional body in defence, it arguably solves Liverpool’s most pertinent issue and although there is no need for an overhaul as far as the starting eleven is involved, it makes sense to improve the overall complexion of the squad.
Because although Liverpool may have only lifted the Premier League trophy once, their last two seasons have been nothing short of herculean in terms of effort and therefore, it is this upcoming campaign which may require more tweaks than before.
If Jurgen Klopp can utilise his squad to its maximum ability, there is no reason to suggest why they cannot emulate the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City, by subsequently winning back to back championships.
While if you are tempted by this prospect and after looking at the pre-season odds, want to put your money where your mouth is, you can check Liverpool’s position at BetOnline they are currently as second favourites.
Whether that is a surprise or not can be argued, as after Manchester City’s disappointing 2019/20 season by their own incredibly high standards, Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to reclaim the top step of the English football ladder.
However, the Etihad outfit have once again shown their soft underbelly (albeit in European competition after exiting to Lyon in the Champions League Quarterfinals) and this will be of comfort to Liverpool supporters.
Because even though City will aim to bounce back and take back what they feel is rightfully theirs, the evolutionary task is arguably much greater at the Etihad and some may even suggest that the squad as a whole, is now reaching the end of its lifecycle.
If that is to be believed, it will only play into the hands of Liverpool and if the club can land a couple more squad signings in the same guise as new arrival Kostas Tsimikas, they will be ready for any Premier League fight that Manchester City or anyone else for that matter throws in their direction.