Taken out of the firing line.
That was the message that former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy wanted to get across when talking about Liverpool’s game against Everton on the weekend. Jürgen Klopp’s men will go into the game looking to set the record straight after the last game out against Aston Villa.
Writing in a piece for The Daily Mail, Murphy believes that a change in personnel might be needed in order to get things back on track, with one major swap taking place in the back line:
“Joe Gomez, in particular, has struggled in the heart of the defence this season. He does not look as confident, or even fit, compared to his prime and the manager faces a big decision whether to take him out of the firing line. I would say it would be better for Liverpool if Fabinho partnered Virgil van Dijk for the derby, particularly as Klopp should have other strong options in midfield.”
Would you play Joe Gomez against Everton?
Yes
No
Murphy is pointing at a long-term thing, and in fairness he does have a point, we have been conceding goals at a rapid pace compared to last year, with the games against Villa and Leeds United being worrying performances.
But much like I said about Adrian, I don’t want changes to be brought about just because of the last game against Aston Villa, it would just be far too reactionary and could be something that we don’t come back from.
I put this down to a blip, and hopefully the international break will be enough of a time for Gomez to regroup and get in the right frame of mind ahead of what is already looking like a six-pointer in the Premier League season.
What about you? Do you think Gomez should be taken out of the team against Everton?