Joe Gomez set for starting center back role

Joe Gomez could be set for a chance to cement himself as Virgil van Dijk’s center back partner this season. The versatile should grasp the opportunity with both hands.

The official club website recently confirmed that Joel Matip is again set for time on the sidelines after picking up an injury in the Red’s recent friendly against Borussia Dortmund. With Dejan Lovren still on leave following the World Cup, Gomez looks the realistic beneficiary.

While the England international can play in a few positions, few doubt that his long term future is probably at center back. Hopefully he capitalizes on his chance and creates real competition for the position.

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Liverpool fans should be excited about seeing the young defender in a central position. The former Charlton Athletic star has progressed through the Three Lions setup at center back and appears well suited.

Despite improvements in recent months, Lovren still has costly lapses in concentration. He is also prone to picking up knocks in a similar fashion to Matip. Though Gomez is still young and learning, he is not quite as badly afflicted with either trait.

If Gomez can deliver at the start of the season he has a real chance to make the position his own for the foreseeable future. The timing could not be better England international, as he now has Van Dijk alongside him to mentor and coach him through games.

Few would argue that center back is an area that could ideally do with some extra coverage. If Liverpool are to challenge for major honors they do look potentially one short in the position.

However, what is important to consider is that reverting Gomez from right back to center back solves the issue arguably better than any potential new signing. The 21-year-old already knows Liverpool’s style and is integrated into the squad.

With Nathaniel Clyne returning from missing nearly all of last season through injury, the Reds can afford to lose Gomez’s right back coverage. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Clyne should provide plenty competition for the position between themselves.

If nothing else, Gomez deserves a chance to prove himself in his favored position. Even if he makes the odd mistake or two, the alternative is that we witness Lovren or Matip make similar errors without the benefit of allowing youngsters to develop.

Liverpool should be ready to hand Gomez a fair shot in the first few games of the season. They have little to lose.