Arne Slot has refused to commit to Joe Gomez as a long-term centre-back, instead relying on the No. 2’s ability to “play at a very high level” in a sporadic, dual role.
Gomez took over from the absent Ibrahima Konate as Virgil van Dijk‘s centre-back partner in midweek and produced an excellent performance as Liverpool beat Marseille 3-0.
It has led to calls for the 28-year-old to stay in the role, particularly due to his long-held understanding with Slot’s captain.
Asked ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth whether he felt Gomez’s best chance of staying fit was playing as a centre-back, rather than at right-back, Slot insisted he could and will be used in both roles.
“What I think we always try to do is prepare the players for the demands of the game,” he explained.
“So if we think we need him as a full-back, we prepare him for the demands of what it takes to play as a full-back.
“He played a very, very good game as a centre-back, but I also liked him a lot when he played as a full-back against Inter Milan.
“I think he’s shown he’s one of the few players maybe that doesn’t have to play a lot of games and still play at a very high level. That is very positive.
Joe Gomez: 2025/26 Key Performance Metrics
Metric Match / Season Stat
Pass Completion vs. Marseille 100% (39/39)
Defensive Contributions vs. Marseille 10
Appearances (Starts) All Comps 16 (8)
Starts in Last 13 Games All Comps 6
Duel Success (Average) 2025/26 League 58%
Data via FotMob & Club performance logs
“He’s not been available always but this season much more than last season.
“It’s good to have him, because he played a good game off the ball but I also remember a few balls through the lines that were really effective, like the lead-up to the 3-0 [goal] he was part of.
“So two days’ turnaround, hasn’t played many games, so let’s see how he feels today and if he’s able to start on Saturday.”
While, as Slot attests, Gomez will need to prove his fitness before making a second start in four days on Saturday evening, the chances are he will partner Van Dijk again at Bournemouth.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, December 13, 2025: Liverpool's Joe Gomez leaves the pitch injured during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
This comes with Konate granted compassionate leave following the death of his father, whose funeral took place in France on Friday.
Liverpool’s other centre-back options include youngster Amara Nallo and emergency out-of-position cover such as Andy Robertson, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch.
Robertson is in talks over a move to Tottenham this month and therefore it remains to be seen if he will even make the squad this weekend.