Liverpool have seen a useful new man emerge in Jurgen Klopp’s team this season, with Joe Gomez potentially solving a problem in the transfer market.
Pro tip for anyone interested in writing for This Is Anfield: try not to write something based on a tweet.
I made an exception with this particular tweet:
Klopp: “Yes, we have many players out but don’t worry, I have a plan”
The plan: pic.twitter.com/mS1ILvgGIV
– Raws (@Raws_FUT) January 10, 2024
Joe Gomez hasn’t just been outstanding this season, he’s seemingly been everywhere.
He has made 27 appearances in all competitions so far this season (since signing in 2015, he has only surpassed that figure three times) and we are still in January.
The 26-year-old has received a lot of criticism at times during his Liverpool career as he has not been able to consistently show his best form, especially after a serious injury.
But this season he is operating at his best again and, more importantly, in multiple positions.
Center back
Despite being a center back by profession, Gómez has appeared there only three times so far this season.
He came off the bench to play his part in the comeback win over Newcastle after Virgil van Dijk was sent off, stood out in the 3-0 demolition of Aston Villa and replaced Van Dijk again in Toulouse’s defeat in the Europa League.
In the latter match, he was remembered more for his assist after switching to the full-back role later.
However, in all three games Liverpool emerged victorious and Gómez was impeccable in all three.
Van Dijk’s imperiousness, Joel Matip’s resurgence and Ibrahima Konate’s strong tactical fit in Liverpool’s system have all deprived Gomez of minutes in his preferred position at times this season.
But he has shown, especially in the game against Villa, that he can still offer many options there.
Liverpool’s success that day was based on an aggressive high press that needed a high defensive line to support it. Gómez’s rhythm and reading of the game were key to that.
He also made an excellent save at 2-0, reading a run towards the near post to deny Leon Bailey a goal that would have invited Villa back into the game.
Back elbow
The “back elbow” role has become common in recent years.
It refers to the practice of deploying a central defender as a full-back and assigning him the task of forming a situational back three.
This allows the opposing full-back to advance, creating an asymmetrical structure that opponents find harder to deal with.
It’s also a result of teams seeking greater protection in the last line of defense.
As games have become faster and more physical, each team’s counter-attacking threat has improved, meaning Liverpool must “keep the back door closed” no matter who their opponent is.
This defender profile was analyzed in the summer transfer window, but without such a signing, Gómez is the clearest option within the team.
He was duly deployed there for the visit to Luton, who looked to counter-attack in wide areas and then rained crosses into the box.
Gomez’s height was useful on set pieces, while he also stepped up to cover well early in the second half when Carlton Morris looked certain to score.
However, the nature of the game (with Liverpool breaking a low block and Luton counter-attacking) led to Gómez venturing forward to maintain width anyway.
Jurgen Klopp therefore replaced him with the more naturally adventurous Kostas Tsimikas, although Liverpool ultimately dropped a frustrating two points.
side
It has been the side where Gómez has really shined.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold increasingly occupying midfield, an overlapping full-back has at times been something of a plan B.
In the absence of the vice-captain, Gomez was asked to switch to right back in the first half against Wolves, and at times looked uncomfortable.
After the break, Liverpool adopted a more familiar shape, with Gomez and left-back Andy Robertson flying forward down the flanks.
The result was a 3-1 victory, and while Robertson grabbed the headlines with a brilliant goal, Gómez also looked excellent in both attack and defense on the right.
Since becoming an unused substitute at the Etihad in November, Gomez has appeared at right or left back in every Premier League match.
His cameo on the right freed up Alexander-Arnold to seal the comeback victory over Fulham, and his introduction 1-0 down against Crystal Palace also contributed to a dramatic 2-1 victory.
But Gómez’s true value has been seen on the left side.
He replaced the injured Tsimikas during the 1-1 draw against Arsenal, and Bukayo Saka failed to complete a single attack on Gomez in the remaining 55 minutes.
But this wasn’t a nudge performance; Gómez also came closer to achieving victory with an excellent run and an effort that went over the post.
Gomez has maintained his role in wins over Burnley, Newcastle and Arsenal (again), combining his defensive steel with an added attacking threat that has seen the topic of his long-awaited first senior goal begin to dominate the news cycle.
Liverpool’s Swiss Army Knife
Despite topping the league table and having their best defence, Liverpool’s rearguard is a topic of constant debate.
Alexander-Arnold’s move to midfield has sparked calls for a new attacking right-back, although the emergence of Conor Bradley in recent weeks may have an influence on that.
Jarell Quansah has had a meteoric rise this season, but with Joel Matip out of contract this summer, many fans are craving defensive reinforcements.
The rise of the back elbow has linked Liverpool with a host of versatile left-footed defenders, and the transfer market is open.
And despite taking a step forward before his injury, some have felt that an upgrade to Kostas Tsimikas is necessary in the near future.
However, thanks to Joe Gomez, Liverpool currently have excellent coverage in each of these roles.
Liverpool’s new Swiss Army knife may not be able to work everywhere at the same time.
But his ability to play anywhere in the defensive line gives Liverpool a variety of options for the rest of the season and for future transfer planning.
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