Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is confident in the versatility of Joe Gomez amid an injury crisis in defence
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk praised Joe Gomez and his ability to do the job for the club. The Reds are struggling with numbers in defence during the congested fixture period with many key players injured.
The Reds are currently second in the Premier League table with just a point separating them from league-leaders Arsenal. The top two teams played a 1-1 draw in the Premier League clash on Saturday at Anfield.
Aston Villa and Manchester City are in third and fourth place respectively, not far behind the top two in points. The close competition leaves no room for mistakes for any team regardless of the injury crisis during the congested fixtures.
Liverpool are currently without a natural senior team left-back with injuries to both Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson. Tsimikas suffered a collarbone fracture against the Gunners after a reckless challenge from Bakayo Saka who somehow survived a booking.
Robertson’s dislocated shoulder injury in October has led to his estimated absence until January. Gomez played as a make-shift left-back against Arsenal after substituting Tsimikas in the 35th minute of the game.
The 26-year-old showed his incredible versatility by pocketing one of the best right-wingers in the Premier League in Saka. Furthermore, Gomez showed his attacking prowess, bombing forward whenever he got the chance, almost scoring his first Liverpool goal.
Speaking before the boxing day match against Burnley (h/t Liverpool Echo), Van Dijk conveyed his faith in Gomez. He said:
“He (Gomez) has been doing it already for us. He’s doing it very well. When you’re not really used to playing every three days, you have to manage yourself well. I have full confidence in Joey and his quality.”
Gomez prefers to play as a centre-back, but the team has deployed him as a deputy for first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Reds have frequently deployed the Englishman as a right-back to move Trent into the central midfield position.
Despite coming on in the 35th minute, Joe Gomez made more tackles than any other player against Arsenal (6), while none of his teammates made more clearances (5).
— Squawka Live (@Squawka_Live) December 23, 2023
Dealt well with Bukayo Saka. #LIVARS pic.twitter.com/pWWqRXxBT6
The 26-year-old can play at any position in the back four and recently enjoyed more attacking freedom. Many fans and pundits downplayed Gomez after his struggles last season, believing his injury struggle have taken a toll.
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However, Gomez has shown the pace, physical strength and formidable defensive display that earned him praise during his younger days. The 26-year-old has just entered the peak years of his career despite being in the senior team for so long.
Gomez has the experience, the abilities and the versatility that makes him a crucial member of the Liverpool squad. Van Dijk is correct in emphasising the need to condition the body to maintain the required fitness level. Gomez has a key role to play as his versatility is a saving grace during the current injury crisis.
