Liverpool’s defensive picture has changed significantly this summer.
With Ibrahima Konaté now gone following his move to Real Madrid, and Giovanni Leoni only recently returning from a long-term injury, the arrival of Jeremy Jacquet has become even more important than many supporters first realised.
Suddenly, Liverpool have four senior centre-back options:
● Virgil van Dijk
● Joe Gomez
● Jeremy Jacquet
● Giovanni Leoni
But with the Premier League opener away to Newcastle United on 23 August fast approaching, one big question remains:
Who partners Virgil van Dijk?
Van Dijk Picks Himself
There is little debate over one position.
Virgil van Dijk remains Liverpool’s defensive leader and one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League.
Assuming he is fully fit, the captain will almost certainly lead the team out at St James’ Park.
The real competition is for the place alongside him.
Joe Gomez Brings Experience
If Andoni Iraola values experience for such a difficult opening fixture, Joe Gomez may have the edge.
He knows the Premier League inside out, has played alongside Van Dijk for several seasons and can operate comfortably in a high defensive line.
Fitness has often been Gomez’s biggest challenge rather than ability.
If he comes through pre-season without setbacks, he will undoubtedly be in contention.
Jeremy Jacquet Has a Huge Opportunity
The signing of Jeremy Jacquet gives Liverpool something different.
The young French defender arrives with an excellent reputation and is viewed as one of the club’s long-term defensive investments.
However, opportunities have a habit of arriving sooner than expected in football.
Konaté’s departure has accelerated Jacquet’s pathway into the first team.
If he impresses Iraola during pre-season, he could force his way into the starting line-up much earlier than anyone anticipated.
Patience With Leoni
Then there is Giovanni Leoni.
Liverpool remain hugely excited about the Italian defender’s potential, but after such a lengthy spell out through injury, it would be understandable if the club managed his return carefully.
Throwing him straight into one of the most demanding away fixtures of the season may be asking too much.
His time will come.
Whether that is from the opening weekend remains doubtful.
Iraola’s Decision
The new head coach now faces one of his first major selection dilemmas.
Does he trust experience?
Or does he back youth?
Pre-season will almost certainly provide the answer.
Training performances, fitness levels and tactical understanding will all influence Iraola’s thinking before Liverpool travel to Tyneside.
My Prediction
If I had to choose today, I think Liverpool begin the season with:
Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
It feels like the safest option while Jacquet continues adapting to his new surroundings and Leoni builds full match fitness.
That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeremy Jacquet becomes a regular starter before too long.
Liverpool clearly believe they have signed an outstanding young defender.
And with Konaté gone, the pathway is now wide open.
One thing is certain.
Liverpool’s defensive future has entered a fascinating new chapter—and the battle to partner Virgil van Dijk is only just beginning.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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