How ‘exceptional’ Liverpool player could step up if Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas depart this summer

Liverpool’s summer of change is in full swing and some areas are in desperate need of reinforcements.

Over the recent years, a key factor in the Reds’ success has been their full-backs, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson holding down these positions ever since they made their debuts.

Attack after attack, cross after cross, the amount of goals Liverpool have scored with their full-backs providing the assists is second to none, although things could change going forward.

Alexander-Arnold has left for Real Madrid and Robertson could also join him in the Spanish capital but playing for their rivals Atletico, with Diego Simeone keen to sign the Scotsman this summer.

Kostas Tsimikas has also been rumoured with a move away, meaning that all hopes depend on new arrival Milos Kerkez.

However, the young Hungarian cannot play all the games himself, with there being one player at the club already that could step up and help ease the pressure put onto the new signing.

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Owen Beck could step up as second choice left-back

Trusting the kids is something Jurgen Klopp was always happy to do, with the best example being in the 2024 Carabao Cup final when they beat Chelsea 1-0 after extra time.

But, Arne Slot tends to have a clear preference with his starting XI and youngster may not have got as many chances as they would have hoped, although this might change next season.

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Owen Beck is a player that has been held in high regard at Liverpool for quite some time, with pre-season a chance to prove why the Reds don’t need to spend millions on a second choice left-back.

The 22-year-old has enjoyed solid loan spells at Dundee and, most recently, Blackburn Rovers, impressing for both sides.

READ MORE: Andy Robertson has already told Liverpool fans what they can do to help persuade him to stay

However, this might be his chance to make a name for himself at Liverpool as he is now at the age where he would likely move on if he felt he couldn’t break into the team.

With a similar profile to Robertson, the flying full-back would fit Slot’s system quite nicely and he is more than capable of picking up assists with his wicked deliveries, suggesting he is worth a punt on.

Owen Beck has impressed managers while out on loan

Loan spells are where young players really prove themselves, but playing Championship football is where some stars swim, while others sink.

Beck, however, certainly swam and left a good impression on John Eustace, the Blackburn coach, with his gaffer last season full of praise for his efforts from left-back.

“Owen was exceptional, that is why he’s here,” Eustace told the Lancashire Telegraph earlier in the season.

“He’s a very young, talented player. He’s got other good young players around but also experience around him too. They want to help him and they’re always talking to him.

“He will have a huge future in the game, I am sure. We have really good competition at the club and Owen will learn a lot.

Beck has had the experience at a lower level and now looks ready for the step up, but is the jump up to the Premier League champions a leap too far?

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