OPINION
Clinton Morrison surely gives false hope to Liverpool defender Joel Matip about his chances of getting back in the first-team with his remarks on Joe Gomez following the win against Norwich City.
The Sky Sports pundit shared that he thought Gomez did particularly well in the 4-1 win over Norwich, though admitted he was disappointed that Matip had to miss out on facing the Canaries to make way for him.
Morrison then alluded to the fact that Gomez could switch positions and play right-back, implying that could see Matip back in the team.
However, the pundit then claimed that current first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold did get a couple of things right ahead of Teemu Pukki scoring a consolation goal for Norwich, even though he stated that he didn’t think he communicated well with Gomez for the goal.
“Joe Gomez played last night and I think he did particularly well in there, I think he will be good with Van Dijk,” said Morrison on Sky Sports News (12:04, Saturday, August 10th).
“It was a bit disappointing, obviously, Matip not playing as I thought he had done excellent beside Van Dijk, but Gomez can also go out play at right-back as well.
“I watched the Pukki goal and honestly I think Alexander-Arnold is there and he is with him, he watches his run, but he doesn’t talk to Gomez so there are a few problems at the back defensively.”
For Gomez to switch to right-back, which would allow Matip to walk back into Klopp’s starting line-ups, Alexander-Arnold would have to be dropped.
That surely isn’t going to happen.
While the 20-year-old could have at times looked better defensively against the Canaries, going forward he proved to be a sensation once again.
Alexander Arnold registered one assist, created two big chances, made 40 passes and fired eight crosses towards the box against the Carnieries and was a constant thorn in Norwich’s side. (Source: Premier League)
So how can you consider dropping him?
This means Gomez will likely stay in contention for being utilised as a centre-back alongside Virgil Van Dijk, and based on Morrison’s remarks he doesn’t deserve to be dropped after the win against Norwich.
The 22-year-old made 54 passes against Norwich, won six of his eight duels, made two tackles and won all four of his aerial battles in order to be formidable at the back. (Source: Premier League)
So with that in mind, Matip should get used to being an unused substitute, just like he was on Friday, even though he impressed last season.
The 28-year-old averaged a rating of 7.11 across his 22 league outings last season, and impressively won three aerial duels per game. (Source: WhoScored)
Yet despite this, it’s like Jurgen Klopp won’t start Matip in games anytime soon unless the performances of Gomez or Van Dijk drop or if an injury unfortunately emerges.
