Liverpool have started the new campaign on fire after winning all four of their league matches so far this season. The Reds have built up a strong backline which has been their secret to success in recent past. Both Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson Becker have added a lot of quality to the Liverpool defence since their arrival at Anfield which has seen them get the best out of the trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Joe Gomez.
Gomez has been a rock at the back alongside Van Dijk, and the central defensive duo have caught the eyes with their dominant displays at the back against Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City. The Merseyside club has just conceded a single goal this season which goes to show how much they have improved defensively this year.
However, with Dejan Lovren set to make his return after the international break, can the Croatian secure a place in Jurgen Klopp’s first-team?
Lovren Vs Gomez
Recent Form
Lovren would be going head to head with Gomez to earn a place alongside Van Dijk at the heart of the Liverpool defence but going by the English youngster’s recent form; it doesn’t seem likely that Klopp would tinker with his back four unless his squad is struck with injuries or suspensions.
Having said that, the Croatian international had an outstanding 2018 FIFA World Cup as he helped his nation reach the final of the biggest competition in world football.
Defensive Record
Lovren had improved significantly under Klopp and especially after the arrival of Van Dijk at Anfield. Since his nightmare outing away at Tottenham Hotspur last season, the Croat has been part of a resolute Liverpool defence who are hard to beat.
On the other hand, Gomez was a sporadic feature for the Merseyside giants last season and was plagued with injuries which ultimately kept him out of the England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, the Catford born talent has grabbed his opportunities at Liverpool with both hands and has established himself as a worthy centre-back in Jurgen Klopp’s backline after impressing in the Reds pre-season tour.
Who Should Start?
The fact that Liverpool have a tough run of fixtures coming up after the international break will see Klopp rotate his squad and give all of his fit defenders some game time. However, it doesn’t seem likely that Lovren will replace Gomez any time soon and might have to wait for his chance in the League Cup encounter versus Chelsea to prove his worth.
