Liverpool legend Jan Molby has admitted that he would not be shocked if Jurgen Klopp surprisingly started Dejan Lovren at centre back against Watford this Saturday.
Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez have been the manager’s preferred central defensive pairing this season, so it would be no surprise if supporters considered the England international as his first choice partner – however, Molby does not think it is as simple as that.
He says that more solidity is needed at the back when they face the Hornets, and he reckons that Gomez could be shifted into the right-back position – especially if Trent Alexander Arnold’s form is being called into question.
“Liverpool’s centre-back positions have become a talking point among Reds fans, with many regarding Joe Gomez as Virgil van Dijk’s first-choice partner. I don’t think it’s as clear-cut as that,” he said in his Liverpool Echo column.
“Klopp will be aware of what each centre-back can do, and a lot will revolve around the manager’s thoughts about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s form.
“Trent played at Watford last year and had a few problems, and if a little more defensive solidity is needed it wouldn’t surprise me if Gomez moved to right-back and Dejan Lovren came in at centre-back.”
OPINION
Many Liverpool fans will no doubt be scratching their heads at Molby’s verdict. They know that Gomez’ best position is playing at centre-back alongside Van Dijk, so they will be wondering why Molby has tipped Lovren – who is on £90,000-a-week [Spotrac] – to start against the Hornets. However, Gomez was shifted to right-back against Manchester City, and even though he did not do a bad job, the role really lacked the attacking prowess that Alexander-Arnold provides. To even think about dropping the youngster in favour of Gomez is ludicrous, as Liverpool would then be without a serious threat along the right flank. It is easy to see why Molby would think such a thing, but then again, the thought seems completely uncalled for. Alexander-Arnold is only 20-years-old and it is rather unfair to suggest the thought of dropping him when he has not been that bad this season. Lovren is not the perfect partner for Van Dijk – and everybody knows that.
