Is it time for Liverpool to sell Joe Gomez?

By Jack Lacey-Hatton

For so long last season the heart of defence was a major issue for Liverpool.

This time 12 months ago, following a horrible injury to Virgil Van Djik, centre-half had become a weak spot for the Reds, who suffered a disappointing loss of form in January.

But now Jurgen Klopp’s team once again has one of the strongest backlines in Europe, with a range of options in the middle of defence.

The summer arrival of Ibrahima Konaté, has added depth to a squad that already boasted Joel Matip, and arguably the best-in-the-world, Van Djik.

But the signing of Konaté, has also put Joe Gomez in a sticky position.

The English defender has suffered numerous injury problems in recent seasons, and while he does look a force to be reckoned with when on the pitch, is it now time to review whether his services should be retained.

Both Real Madrid and Aston Villa are being linked with a move for him when the January window opens in a few days’ time.

So, let’s way up both arguments.

Yes – sell Joe Gomez

With Matip and Konate both competing for a place alongside Van Djik, and young defender Nathaniel Phillips impressing when featuring this season, the chances of Gomez getting regular minutes seem fairly remote.

If he isn’t playing, his transfer value will only decrease, minimising Liverpool’s chances of picking up a decent price for the former Charlton Athletic man.

It may seem surprising to outsiders, considering that he is still clearly a talented centre-back, but it appears

Klopp has now made his mind up on the 24-year-old.

The injury he suffered last year while on international duty was terrible luck, but it was also the latest in a long line. Considering the amount of football he has missed in the last four years, he can’t be considered a reliable member of the first-team squad.

If the manager doesn’t think Gomez has a chance of playing then the best option is to bring in a decent transfer fee, which can be reinvested in the team.

Maybe in the forward department with Mo Salah and Sadio Mane’s departure for the 2022 AFCON looming.

The move would also benefit Gomez.

As he approaches what could be his ‘prime’ years, the England defender needs to be at a club who back him as the first-choice centre-half.

Any player returning from knee surgery needs game-time to get back to their sharpest and Gomez is no different.

While he may leave Anfield with a heavy heart, at this point it looks the best option for the player.

No – Keep Joe Gomez

At a time of a hectic fixture list, covid-19 outbreaks and injuries, it may seem a strange time to consider selling any player, let alone one of Gomez’s quality.

He may have struggled for game-time recently but is still a useful member of the squad.

Gomez’s pace, power and composure shouldn’t be underestimated. But his main strength is his versatility.

The 24-year-old is also a competent full-back on either side of the back four, something that some of his fellow Liverpool centre-backs can’t claim.

This alone makes him worth hanging onto beyond the January transfer window.

Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are obviously first choice and will remain so for the foreseeable future.

But with Klopp continuing to juggle the issue of his players’ fitness and health during a busy schedule, both can’t be expected to be at full-tilt every single game.

This is where Gomez could be a more than useful option to the German. Consequently it is probably worth hanging onto him – at least until the summer.

Verdict

Unless Liverpool receive an offer that is too good to turn down, there seems little point selling Gomez halfway through a season.

The manager himself is all too aware of how injuries, suspensions and covid cases can stack up at this point of the campaign.

He should give Gomez an opportunity to prove his worth until the end of the season, before reviewing the situation again in the summer.

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