Liverpool’s right-back travails took another interesting turn on Saturday as Curtis Jones set out his stall.
The Scouser impressed against Brighton in the FA Cup, even managing to get on the scoresheet with an expertly executed finish.
Jones had come in for the injured Wataru Endo, who did a fine impression of a regular right-back during Wednesday’s win over Sunderland.
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Curtis Jones points to the Anfield stand in celebration during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion
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Before that, the role had fallen to Dominik Szoboszlai, with the Hungarian arguably performing the best of the three against both Newcastle United and Man City.
But despite the success of Endo, Jones and Szoboszlai, Arne Slot looks set to change his right-back once again for next weekend’s visit to Nottingham Forest: enter Joe Gomez as option number four.
Joe Gomez ready to make right-back his own
Although Jones has been praised for his performance against Brighton, there is little question that the 25-year-old will not lose any sleep if he is to be replaced next time out.
Jones wants to play in midfield, and although full-back offers him a way into the team, he would rather be playing in his preferred position.
Joe Gomez prepares to come on as a substitute during Liverpool's FA Cup match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield.
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While he may not be granted that wish, he is at least likely to have right-back duties taken from him as Gomez finally returns to contention.
The 28-year-old has featured in each of the Reds’ last two matches, coming on at full-back against Sunderland and Brighton.
With another week to go before Liverpool take on Forest, Gomez has time to be ready to start that game. Having got two substitute appearances under his belt, that should be a genuine possibility, and one that Slot explores.
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Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates in front of the Kop after scoring in Liverpool's FA Cup fourth round match against Brighton at Anfield (Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Charlotte Wilson/Offside
There is then six more days until Liverpool face West Ham at Anfield. If Gomez comes through unscathed at the City Ground, he should go again in that game too. And just like that, the Reds will have a regular, somewhat orthodox right-back to enjoy.
Gomez could be playing for his Liverpool future
Liverpool fielding four different right-backs in four consecutive games this season would be a handy summation of their struggles in the position this season.
But for Gomez in particular, it represents a chance to prove to Slot that he deserves to be in the Liverpool squad next season.
The No. 2 has never been a regular under the Dutchman, and this summer feels like a crucial point for him. If he barely plays between now and the end of the season, a sale will feel most likely.
But if Gomez can come in, play regularly at right-back, and do well, it will put the seed in Slot’s mind that he will be needed into the future. The chance looks to be there for Liverpool’s longest-serving player to push the midfield competition aside and cement his place for the time being. He must take it to secure his future with the Reds.
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