Liverpool defender Joe Gomez will feel threatened by a potential deal to sign RB Leipzig centre-back Ibrahima Konate as he recovers from injury, writes Michael Mongie.
Sporting director Michael Edwards is working hard to complete a deal to sign Konate and if it goes through, Joe Gomez will no longer be a guaranteed starter when fit.
The Englishman is currently on the sidelines as he recovers from a patella injury that has already seen him sidelined for 230+ days. Before the injury, he was performing at a very high level as he led a backline that had just lost Virgil van Dijk.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT )Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool collides with Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on October 17, 2020 in Liverpool, England. PHOTO BY JOHN POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
Liverpool fans, in my opinion, have forgotten how good Gomez is. His pace at centre-back is almost unmatched and it often makes up for the decision making or positioning errors he makes but the 23-year-old is still learning.
With Virgil van Dijk to learn from, there’s no doubt that the former Charlton Athletic star has a bright future.
As Anfield Central’s Patrick Hayes wrote, Gomez is the best young defender in Europe despite the hype surrounding Dayot Upamecano and he’ll be desperate to start ahead of Konate if he signs for Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JULY 22: Joe Gomez, Georginio Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrate with The Premier League trophy following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. PHOTO BY PHIL NOBLE/POOL VIA GETTY IMAGES.
Liverpool’s interest in signing Ibrahima Konate is fascinating as it almost suggests that they are unhappy with Gomez as a starter due to his injuries.
If that wasn’t the case, it’s likely they would be chasing a centre-back that would be happy sitting on the bench and with Ozan Kabak showing great promise for the Reds, he’d be the ideal third-choice centre-back.
At just 20 years of age, he’d be content with training with the likes of van Dijk and Gomez with the occasional start but someone like Konate is unlikely to be happy with a bit-part role.
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – DECEMBER 08: (BILD ZEITUNG OUT) Mason Greenwood of Manchester United and Ibrahima Konate of RasenBallsport Leipzig battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group H stage match between RB Leipzig and Manchester United at Red Bull Arena on December 8, 2020 in Leipzig, Germany. PHOTO BY MARIO HOMMES/DEFODI IMAGES VIA GETTY IMAGES.
Gomez’s starting role is under threat and while it could spell trouble for his game time upon his return, it’s only good news for Liverpool.
Competition only ever improves the form of those in the starting XI and Manchester United can testify to this after Luke Shaw’s impressive displays this season following the purchase of Alex Telles from Porto.
