Darren Bent, a former Aston Villa striker and pundit, has criticized Liverpool defender Joe Gomez and suggested Gomez’s poor performances are affecting Virgil van Dijk’s form.
Bent made these comments during an interview with TalkSport (quotes via Rousing The Kop) where he discussed the recent decline in Van Dijk’s performance.
Bent acknowledged that Van Dijk has made some mistakes since returning from injury, but still believes the Dutchman is one of the best centre-backs in the world.
However, he believes Gomez’s inconsistency and poor form are making things difficult for Van Dijk as he has to work extra hard to cover for his teammate.
Bent specifically highlighted Gomez’s poor performance against Real Madrid and suggested that the Liverpool goalkeeper is starting to make more mistakes as well.
He said:
“He is [Van Dijk] obviously come back from this injury. Yes, he has made mistakes with Virgil, but he is still one of the best centre-backs in the world.”
“But when you put someone who is so inconsistent next to him and lacks form, he has to work even harder to try to cover Joe Gomez.”
“He [Gomez] It was frightening [against Real Madrid]. So it must make him incredibly nervous. Not only that, but the goalkeeper behind you, okay, I get it, he’s making saves, but he’s starting to make some more mistakes.”
Liverpool’s defense has struggled this season, conceding an average of 1.27 goals per game. The absence of Van Dijk, who has been prone to injury, has been particularly notable, with the likes of Matip and Gomez looking unsettled in his absence.
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Despite Van Dijk’s declining form, he brings a sense of calm to the defence. However, Liverpool’s defense still needs attention, especially given the lack of reliable centre-backs. The only other reliable center back right now is Konate.
Recent reports have linked Liverpool to Croatian centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who impressed during the World Cup in Qatar. However, Liverpool face competition from Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham for his transfer.
