Kostas Tsmikas has revealed how he and Andy Robertson are helping each other in the competition for the Liverpool left-back berth.
Tsimikas has emerged as a genuine option in the position this season having had a difficult debut campaign following his arrival from Olympiakos in the summer of 2020.
The Greece international has made 10 appearances this season - eight as a starter - with the Reds yet to concede a goal while he has been on the pitch.
Robertson, though, is pressing hard for a recall against Southampton at Anfield on Saturday having impressed from the bench in the midweek Champions League win over Porto after overcoming a minor hamstring problem.
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And Tsimikas has outlined the strength of the relationship between the defensive duo.
“Yeah, it’s very healthy competition,” he said. “Me and Andy work a lot in training.
“We give absolutely everything to play in the team. In my opinion, it’s very, very healthy; we help each other, we are very close to each other, if someone wants something he asks the other.
“Always we try to find the best for the team and we work for that.
"And I’m happy because I have this player next to me and this competition is very healthy.”
Victory over Southampton will move Liverpool a point behind Premier League leaders Chelsea, who aren't in action until Sunday when they entertain Manchester United.
Tsimikas impressed when the Reds bounced back from defeat at West Ham United with victory against Arsenal last weekend.
And, speaking to liverpoolfc.com, he said: "It was very important for all the boys, for the team, to start building again this winning spirit.
“Every game in the Premier League is very tough. Southampton are a very good team, they defend all together, they run like crazy – a very physical team.
“But we have to stick to our plan to play good football and to win this game, as always, and to achieve our goals.”
