With the beginning of the season fast approaching, Arne Slot will need to decide which Liverpool centre-back starts alongside Virgil van Dijk. Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate will be the major contenders vying for that spot with both players bringing their own qualities.
Who Should Start Alongside Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool?
Joe Gomez: The Complete Package
Gomez had his most productive season in a Liverpool shirt last year, featuring in 51 matches. This was largely due to his versatility as he deputised for Andrew Robertson when the Scot was injured. This flexibility is largely due to Gomez’s composure in possession and ability to drive forward from defence. This in particular will appeal to Slot, who traditionally prefers possession-based football.
Given that Slot likes a double-pivot in midfield, this extra cover would allow Gomez to push into midfield during possession. Meanwhile, van Dijk can stay back to provide cover in case of an opposition counter-attack. Furthermore, Gomez is one of the quickest players in the Liverpool squad. This allows him to track back quickly and use his pace to react to any turnovers. Pace is paramount for centre-backs playing in Slot’s system.
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On the other hand, Gomez has less experience playing at centre-back for Liverpool, compared to Konate. He has had an erratic career so far, severely hampered by two major injuries. Since then, however, he has been relatively injury-free. Whilst he has had to play across the back-line, he favours the centre-back position. With both full-backs fit, Gomez will hope to focus on playing at the heart of the defence and stake his claim for regular starts.
Ibrahima Konate: The Traditional Option
Konate offers high-quality tackling, strength, and aerial dominance. His style of play is more akin to van Dijk, and he was Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice centre-back last season when fit. With a reputation of being a strong, intimidating presence at the back, he has worked well with van Dijk. The two combined well in the first half of last season, putting Liverpool well in the mix as they hunted for trophies on four fronts.
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The Frenchman is by no means a slouch on the ball either: he was one of the top centre-backs in the league for progressive passes and carries. However, this is a result of the system he was part of, where he was thrust into the role of a ball carrier. This led to several errors leading to chances at crucial points in the season. His form dipped in the second half of last season as Liverpool’s title charge unravelled, which will concern Slot.
Konate has made four errors leading to a goal since he arrived three years ago. In comparison, Gomez has made just one in his far longer Liverpool career. Centre-backs at top teams must be reliable and errors will come under extra scrutiny.
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Like Gomez, Konate has had his injury woes. However, unlike Gomez, Konate’s injuries tend to be more minor, persistent ones, which occur more regularly. Most of his injuries appear to be muscular, suggesting that his body succumbed to the physical intensity of Klopp’s system more easily. This will undoubtedly concern Slot and will be on the head coach’s mind as he assesses his options. It could even tempt the Dutchman to invest more heavily in the defence during the transfer window.
Who are Liverpool’s Other Centre-Back Options?
The player that immediately springs to mind is 21-year-old Jarell Quansah. Quansah had a fantastic breakout season last year, highlighted by his call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2024 squad. Quansah proved to be a strong tackler and carrier of the ball last season. His playing style could be seen as a compromise between Gomez and Konate. However, he is still young and will require time to develop.
Alternatively, Liverpool could look to sign a marquee centre-back, especially after Joel Matip’s departure this summer. Given the injury record of their current defenders, a new centre-back is vital.
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Liverpool were linked with Leny Yoro before the 18-year-old opted for Manchester United. Since then, there have not been any serious transfer rumours. Slot is keen to assess the squad before making any major transfer decisions.
Both Gomez and Konate offer fantastic options for Liverpool and, given the length of the season, both will get their opportunities. However, it is Gomez who fits into Slot’s system better, due to his strength in possession. Once he returns to the squad, he will look to cement his place alongside van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence.
