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On-loan Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas provided an assist on his first start for Roma.
The Greek international signed for the club in the final days of the summer transfer window, with a surplus of left-backs following the arrival of Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. Tsimikas was an unused substitute in his first game after joining Roma and was then introduced off the bench in the 1-0 win at rival Lazio on Sunday.
Drafted into his first line-up for the midweek Europa League encounter with Nice, Tsimikas set up what proved to be the match-winning goal in the 2-1 victory. His cross into the box was turned in by Gianluca Mancini to leave the on-watching Sir Jim Ratcliffe look thoroughly dejected.
The Manchester United co-owner is also the majority shareholder of Nice and was in attendance for the opening round of Ligue 1 fixtures.
Meanwhile, Tsimikas has made an immediate impression on the Italian media and was awarded a 6.5/10 match rating from Tuttomercato.
“Smart game until the 55th minute, when he showed why he spent five years at Liverpool. His assist for Mancini was a well-placed, curling cross that allowed the defender to make it 2-0. A good start,” was the newspaper’s summary of his performance.
Calciomercato also awarded him 6.5 and said: "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."
Indeed, 6.5 was the prevailing score given by Sky Sports Italy, Gazzetta dello Sport, and Sportsmediaset.
The latter commented: “He gets space on the left and, after a timid start, gains ground and increases his threat. This leads to a perfect assist for Mancini's second goal.”
Speaking after the game, Gian Piero Gasperini summed up the battle Tsimikas will have with fellow left-back Angelino on the flanks: “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.”
Tsimikas’ long-term future at Anfield remains uncertain. The Reds would have preferred a permanent exit over the summer but had to settle for a loan.
He has two years remaining on his Liverpool contract, but Andy Robertson’s set to expire in June, it’s not impossible the ex-Olympiacos man is reintegrated into the fold by Arne Slot.
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