Joe Gomez needs to bounce back and prove Klopp’s transfer decision was right

Follow us on Google Discover

Liverpool are still reeling from the 7-2 thrashing at the hands of Aston Villa, so the international break may have come at an ideal time.

The Reds were humiliated at Villa Park, with Jack Grealish, Ross Barkley and Ollie Watkins running riot against Jurgen Klopp’s Premier League champions.

The international break at least gives players the chance to get away with international teammates, try and forget about the result and give Klopp the time to come up with some solutions.

Liverpool certainly aren’t as secure defensively as they were last season; they’ve already leaked 11 goals in four games, having conceded 33 in the whole of last season.

Adrian was a problem against Villa, but so was the performance of centre back Joe Gomez, who looked all at sea trying to cope with the movement of Ollie Watkins.

Gomez looked hesitant and short of confidence, and his display has left some fans worried about his form, even calling for Joel Matip to start when back to full fitness.

Some even wanted Liverpool to sign another centre back to replace Gomez, but Klopp chose not to bring in a new defender despite losing Dejan Lovren over the summer.

This now seems like a risk; Gomez is out of form, Matip is injury-prone, Fabinho is better in midfield and youngster Billy Koumetio isn’t quite ready for Premier League action.

What Liverpool need is for Gomez to find his form again. That can start with Liverpool’s game against Wales tonight, a game in which Gomez is expected to start.

If Gomez can go back to last season’s form, then Klopp’s decision not to sign a centre back will be justified. Klopp has largely managed to get the best out of his players at Anfield, and he can do so again with Gomez – and that horror show at Villa has to be the catalyst for Gomez to come back to his best rather than leave Liverpool considering a new signing in January.