The progress of Joe Gomez is very encouraging but Liverpool still need to sign Virgil van Dijk transfer to compete this season.
Another strong preseason performance has Liverpool fans excited about the return of Joe Gomez to the side. After two years of injury troubles Gomez is finally building the strength and fitness to pick up where he left off. Under Brendan Rodgers the English defender began the 2015/16 season with an encouraging confidence.
His initial stint in the first team was at left back but he is a natural center back. His height, strength and reading of the game suit the central position. The ability to cover the full back positions is a huge plus but with Clyne, Alexander-Arnold, Milner and Robertson competing for those spots we need Gomez more at center back.
At the moment he is challenging Ragnar Klavan to be the third center back. If he continues to have an impressive preseason he will be fighting it out with Dejan Lovren to partner Joel Matip. This competition is great news for Jurgen Klopp.
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However much Gomez is progressing, it is a huge ask for him to play at a level that will allow us to challenge for the title. The goals we have conceded in preseason are a timely reminder of our need to improve the backline. Liverpool are desperate to sign Virgil van Dijk. Despite angering Southampton that deal is not dead.
Van Dijk’s decision to withdraw from first team availability has him training alone. Southampton are sure to want a gigantic fee from Liverpool for the Dutchman. We should pay it. Man City are paying £130 million for three full backs. And only one of them is good. We need to spend £70 million for a center back who is better than any at Arsenal, United, City or Everton.
Injuries are bound to happen and we will be in four competitions. Let’s give Klopp the headache of how he is going to give all these players the minutes they want.