Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren could struggle to retain his place in the starting XI due to the excellent form of England youngster Joe Gomez, according to former club striker Craig Bellamy.
Gomez has consistently started alongside club-record signing Virgil van Dijk in the centre of the Liverpool defence so far this season and has shown that he is more than capable of partnering the big Dutch centre-back.
In the Premier League, Liverpool have conceded just one goal – due to a mistake from new goalkeeper Alisson in the Reds’ 2-1 away victory at Leicester City – and have started the season with four wins out of four.
Bellamy was speaking on Sky Sports’ The Debate (via ReadLiverpool) about whether Lovren will automatically reclaim his place in the Liverpool starting line-up after regaining his fitness.
The Welshman believes it will be very difficult for the Croatian to simply step back in and that is down to the fantastic form of the talented Gomez.
Bellamy said: “Lovren got to a Champions League final and a World Cup final and he will tell you that he’s one of the best defenders in the world.
“I’m not quite sure about that because, [after] watching Liverpool closely, going into the Champions League final my two biggest concerns were Lovren and the goalkeeper. I just felt it was going to be one step too far.
“Even last season, against Everton, Lovren gave away a soft penalty out of nowhere.
“Teams were looking to play on his side, looking to counter-attack off the back of him. He’s very vulnerable to counter attacks and he was Liverpool’s weak link.”
He went on to discuss Gomez further, stating that the overall balance of Liverpool’s side looks so much better with him partnering Van Dijk.
“That’s why I’ve been so impressed with Gomez.
“The balance of the team looks so much better now with him in the team with Van Dijk. They’ve both got real pace and they can defend one-v-one and at times, they’re going to have to, especially with the midfield.”
Liverpool’s next fixture is against Tottenham on September 15 at Wembley, with the Reds hoping to extending their perfect start to five games.
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