LASK v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2
LASK v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 | Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages
Who could have predicted that on Wednesday night in Linz, the man proudly wearing the captain’s armband for Liverpool in a European cup tie would be a Greek left-back who once spent a quiet season on loan at AS Roma?
When the team sheet was confirmed for Liverpool’s wild 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK, plenty of fans double-checked the graphic.
With Virgil van Dijk rested on the bench alongside Joe Gomez until midway through the second half, Andoni Iraola handed the captaincy to Kostas Tsimikas his first time leading the Reds out in a competitive match in his career.
For a player who has spent most of his Anfield tenure deputising behind world-class talent, and more recently competing directly with last summer addition Milos Kerkez for every scrap of game time, this wasn't just a tactical rotation. It was a massive personal milestone.
And Tsimikas didn't just wear the armband he earned it.
The Greek international was at the very heart of Liverpool’s attacking output in Austria. Early in the first half, it was his pin-point corner that allowed Ronald Araújo to rise highest and smash home his first goal in a Red shirt.
Then, right after the restart, Tsimikas whipped in another delightful, curling cross for Jeremie Frimpong to head home Liverpool’s fourth. Two assists, a clean set of delivery, and a captain’s performance that set the tone for a six-goal rampage.
Clearly overcome by the emotion of the night, Tsimikas took to Instagram after the final whistle to share a deeply personal message that resonated with every supporter who loves a player that wears their heart on their sleeve:
The caption read: "Representing my dream club, on a Champions League night, as a captain, with a win and some assists serving?!
"Little Kostas, we made it happen, kid. Never stop dreaming and believing, guys.
"Dreams can come true. I made some of mine come true today and it feels great. I am so grateful."
For us watching from home and high in the Raiffeisen Arena stands, that message hits home. Tsimikas has always held a special place among the squad.
He’s the 'Greek Scouser' the lad who scored the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final, who never complains when he’s on the bench, and who treats every single appearance like a win.
From his early days learning the trade on loan at Roma to then playing second fiddle under Andy Robertson to fighting for every minute under Iraola, his dedication to the club has never wavered.
Looking at the grueling calendar ahead, Tsimikas' form couldn't come at a better time.
Liverpool are currently staring down a brutal run of 9 games in just 21 days across all competitions. With Kerkez carrying a heavy workload on the left side of defence, having a reliable, passionate, and match-ready deputy like Tsimikas isn't just a luxury it's an absolute necessity if Iraola's side wants to navigate this winter stretch intact.
Wednesday night in Linz proved that no matter who starts or who rotates, the spirit inside this squad runs deep.
For 'Little Kostas', the dream came true in Austria and with three weeks of non-stop football on the horizon, Liverpool are going to need him more than ever.
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