Joe Gomez showcased his talent for Liverpool in a recent match, stepping up as a critical center-back amid ongoing tactical challenges faced by coach Arne Slot. Gomez, who has experienced limited starts this season due to injuries, delivered a standout performance during Liverpool’s game against Marseille.
Gomez’s Tactical Role and Recent Performance
After making only two starts in the first 19 matches of the season, Gomez has increasingly been utilized as injuries at right-back have affected the team’s lineup. His adaptability has seen him take on various roles on the field.
During the match against Marseille, where Liverpool won 3-0, Gomez achieved a remarkable statistic: a 100% pass completion rate with 39 successful passes. Additionally, he made significant defensive contributions, ranking second on the team with 10, just behind Virgil van Dijk.
Coaches’ Praise and Future Expectations
Gomez’s performance earned him notable praise from Arne Slot, who acknowledged the player’s professional demeanor despite limited playing time over the last year and a half. Slot highlighted that Gomez had not only handled his role exceptionally well but also had an important impact on the match’s outcome.
As Liverpool prepares for their upcoming match against Bournemouth, there are questions about whether Gomez will be called upon again. The coaching staff is likely to prioritize providing Ibrahima Konate with time to recover fully from his personal matters. However, if Gomez is needed, his current form makes him a reliable option alongside Van Dijk.
Joe Gomez’s Performance Metrics
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Pass Completion vs. Marseille | 100% (39/39) |
| Defensive Contributions vs. Marseille | 10 |
| Appearances (Starts) All Competitions | 16 (8) |
| Starts in Last 13 Games | 6 |
| Duel Success (Average) 2025/26 League | 58% |
Challenges Ahead for Arne Slot
Despite Gomez’s impressive performance, Arne Slot faces the dilemma of managing his players’ health. Gomez’s injury history has made the coaching staff cautious about overextending his role on the team. He has previously suffered from a hamstring injury that sidelined him for three games this season and 24 games last year.
With Conor Bradley out for the season, Jeremie Frimpong has emerged as the primary right-back, further complicating Gomez’s positioning. Though many fans may advocate for Gomez to take the starting center-back role, Slot must consider the player’s fitness and adaptability in multiple positions.
Liverpool’s Defensive Depth Chart
| Position | First Choice | Regular Cover | Emergency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centre-Back (R) | Ibrahima Konate | Joe Gomez | Ryan Gravenberch, Wataru Endo |
| Centre-Back (L) | Virgil van Dijk | Andy Robertson | Joe Gomez, Amara Nallo |
| Right-Back | Jeremie Frimpong | Joe Gomez | Dominik Szoboszlai, Calvin Ramsay, Curtis Jones |
| Left-Back | Milos Kerkez | Andy Robertson | Joe Gomez |
As the season progresses, the Liverpool defense is under pressure to maintain health and performance. Gomez’s versatility and recent performance underline his importance to the team as Slot navigates these challenges.
