Liverpool have a problem at left-back, and I don’t think the answer is to keep hoping Kostas Tsimikas suddenly becomes a reliable option.
Milos Kerkez has struggled for consistency, Tsimikas hasn’t convinced when given opportunities and Liverpool are reportedly planning to strengthen the position.
But what if the short-term solution is already sitting in Andoni Iraola’s squad?
I would seriously consider using Joe Gomez at left-back until Liverpool can bring in the right player.
It might not be a glamorous solution, but sometimes football is about finding the most sensible option rather than forcing something that clearly isn’t working.
Gomez offers something different
One of Gomez’s biggest strengths throughout his Liverpool career has been his versatility.
He has played at centre-back, right-back and left-back, and has rarely complained when asked to fill a position for the benefit of the team.
He is comfortable defending one-on-one, has good recovery pace and is generally more naturally suited to protecting the defensive line than providing constant attacking width.
That could be exactly what Liverpool need right now.
I’m not suggesting Gomez is going to become the next Andy Robertson. He isn’t that type of full-back, and we shouldn’t expect him to provide the same attacking output.
But Liverpool need defensive stability first and foremost.
There have been too many occasions when the left side has looked vulnerable, and Gomez could give Iraola a more dependable defensive option while the club works on a permanent solution.
Kerkez needs time, but Tsimikas isn’t convincing me
I haven’t given up on Kerkez.
He is still young, has plenty of potential and has already shown what he can offer going forward. But his performances have been inconsistent, and I don’t think the answer is to keep playing him regardless of form.
He needs competition and perhaps a spell out of the firing line.
As for Tsimikas, I’ve made my feelings clear. I don’t believe he is good enough to be Liverpool’s dependable long-term answer at left-back.
His experience is useful, but Liverpool should be looking to improve that position rather than simply accepting what they currently have.
Recent reporting suggests the club are already assessing replacements, with Tsimikas approaching the end of his contract.
That makes finding a sensible short-term arrangement even more important.
Don’t spend money for the sake of it
I want Liverpool to sign a new left-back, but I don’t want the club rushing into an expensive January deal simply because the position is causing problems.
The right player needs to be identified.
If Gomez can provide cover until then, it gives the recruitment team more time to find someone who genuinely improves the squad.
It would also allow Iraola to manage Kerkez’s minutes and give him the opportunity to work on the areas of his game that need improvement.
There is no reason why a temporary change has to become a permanent decision.
There is one important concern: Gomez’s fitness
The obvious issue is Joe Gomez’s injury record.
He has suffered several significant setbacks during his Liverpool career, and the club must be careful about asking too much of him.
He is also valuable cover at centre-back and right-back, so moving him to left-back cannot create another problem elsewhere.
I would use him there selectively, particularly in matches where defensive solidity is the priority, rather than making him play every minute.
If he is fit and available, though, I would much rather see him given an opportunity than continue struggling with an unconvincing solution.
My verdict: Give Gomez the chance
Liverpool need to address left-back, and I don’t think that should be controversial.
Kerkez deserves time to develop, but Tsimikas has not convinced me, and the club cannot afford to leave such an important position unresolved.
Joe Gomez could provide a sensible short-term answer.
He knows the club, understands the demands of playing for Liverpool and has the experience to come into the team without needing months to settle.
I would still make signing a specialist left-back a priority, but there is no need to panic if Gomez can help us get through the next few weeks or months.
Give Gomez a run at left-back when the situation allows, let Kerkez fight for his place and make sure Liverpool sign the right player rather than just another player.
Sometimes the answer isn’t another £40m or £50m transfer. Sometimes it’s using the quality you already have.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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