Darren Bent, a former Aston Villa striker and pundit, criticised Liverpool defender Joe Gomez and suggested that Gomez’s poor performances are affecting Virgil van Dijk’s form.
Bent made these comments during an interview with TalkSport (quotes via Rousing The Kop) where he discussed Van Dijk’s recent decline in performance.
Bent acknowledged that Van Dijk has made some mistakes since returning from injury, but he still believes the Dutchman is one of the best center-backs in the world.
However, he believes that Gomez’s inconsistency and poor form are making things difficult for Van Dijk as he has to work harder to cover for his teammate.
Bent specifically highlighted Gomez’s poor performance against Real Madrid and suggested that the Liverpool goalkeeper is also starting to make more mistakes.
He said:
“He’s [Van Dijk] obviously come back from this injury. Yes he’s made mistakes Virgil, but he’s still one of the best centre-halves in the world.”
“But when you put someone who’s so inconsistent next to him and lacking form, he’s having to do even more work to try and cover Joe Gomez.”
“He [Gomez] was appalling [against Real Madrid]. So it must make him incredibly on edge. Not only that, but the goalkeeper behind you who, okay I get it he’s making saves, but he’s starting to make a few more mistakes.”
Liverpool’s defense has struggled this season, conceding an average of 1.27 goals per game. The absence of Van Dijk, who has been injury-prone, has been particularly noticeable, as the likes of Matip and Gomez have looked shaky in his absence.
Despite Van Dijk’s dip in form, he brings a sense of calmness to the defense. However, Liverpool’s defense still needs attention, especially given their lack of reliable center-backs. The only other trustworthy center-back at the moment is Konate.
Recent reports have linked Liverpool with Croatian center-back Josko Gvardiol, who impressed during the World Cup in Qatar. However, Liverpool faces competition from Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham for his signature.
Van Dijk is getting older and has suffered injuries the last two years. An injury at 31 is different than an injury at 22. He isn’t the shut down centerback that he used to be. I think if Gomez committed to being an elite athlete he and Konate could be a world class pairing, but not with the midfield as it is and without an aggressive counter pressing front line. They need a real midfield and more bench strength in defense.