Liverpool fans learnt a fair bit about their team during Friday night’s rollercoaster Premier League opener against Bournemouth.
The Reds have had a mixed pre-season, with defensive vulnerabilities showing up a little too often.
The hope had been that Arne Slot would have those issues ironed out by the time the Cherries visited Anfield.
However, that was not the case, with Liverpool looking as open as they had done against the likes of AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos over the summer break.
To rectify the problems, Slot turned to Joe Gomez, who came on at right-back after Jeremie Frimpong felt his hamstring in the second half.
Wataru Endo initially stepped in for Frimpong, but with the Japanese struggling to handle the Bournemouth attack, Gomez arrived to steady the ship. And after doing his job well, the 28-year-old signalled the start of what could still be a big season for him.
Joe Gomez on the ball during Liverpool's Premier League clash against Bournemouth at Anfield.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Joe Gomez can be a starter for Liverpool
Over the course of the past 12 months or so, Gomez has become a bit of a forgotten man at Anfield.
Having made only nine Premier League appearances last term, the last of those being in December, the versatile defender has been somewhat out of the picture.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
But despite suggestions that Gomez almost left for around £45m last summer, there has been no feeling that he could depart this time.
With Slot low on defensive options, Gomez certainly has a part to play. Nominally third choice at centre-back, left-back and right-back, there could be a big role on offer for the No. 2.
READ MORE: Giovanni Leoni says he has a nickname which Liverpool fans are welcome to call him
Ibrahima Konate had a terrible evening for Liverpool, looking all at sea far too often. With Gomez now back fit, Slot will perhaps be wondering whether to swap his centre-back for the visit to St James’ Park next time out.
If not, then there could be a berth at right-back for Gomez. There is still no word on when Conor Bradley will be back, and if Frimpong’s hamstring issue proves to be problematic, the spot is immediately open.
Don’t write Gomez off yet
Over recent weeks, Liverpool supporters have been growing concerned about their lack of depth in defence.
Even after Liverpool signed Giovanni Leoni from Parma, supporters have been keen to get a second new signing through the door.
Konate’s disappointing display on Friday will mean that those calls continue into the new week. But those hoping for change should remember what Gomez can offer.
On his day, the England international is arguably better than Konate. His partnership with Virgil van Dijk won Liverpool a Premier League in 2020 and he showed some of that form as recently as last season.
If Liverpool are not successful in their pursuit of Marc Guehi in the final two weeks of the window, then there is a chance Gomez goes on to become Van Dijk’s first choice partner once again. As ever, that is fitness permitting.
But on Friday Gomez at least sent a timely reminder that he is still around and still very much capable of doing a job.