Paul Joyce: Liverpool star not in Arne Slot’s plans despite recent struggles | OneFootball

Gomez Faces Major Test as Slot Shapes Liverpool’s Defensive Future

Growing Uncertainty Around Gomez’s Role

As Liverpool prepare for the Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven, the focus is not solely on the stakes of Europe but on one of the longest serving players at the club. According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Joe Gomez “has played only 43 minutes in the Premier League this term”, a statistic that underpins the central concern. Joyce asks the question that many supporters have begun to echo: “If the manager does not trust him to bolster this defence, at a time of injuries, then what is his role at the club?”

For a defender who has operated in every role across the back four in previous seasons, the lack of league involvement under Slot is striking. Seven appearances in all competitions, with only two starts in the League Cup, paint the picture of a player who has slipped down the hierarchy more than expected.

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PSV Opportunity, but No Guarantees

There is every chance that Gomez features against PSV due to the strain on resources. Joyce frames the dilemma clearly: “He could play against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday… but will he be rewarded if he plays well?” It is a fair question, and one that speaks to the broader uncertainty surrounding Slot’s evolving defensive preferences.

The situation becomes even more complex when considering the player’s own stance. Gomez has reportedly been described as “happy at Liverpool” provided he is playing. Yet he is not playing, and this week may be one of the few remaining chances to demonstrate his value to Slot in a meaningful game.

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His diminishing opportunities have already been highlighted by moments that surprised supporters. Against Nottingham Forest, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones both filled in at right-back, while Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong were unavailable. Gomez, meanwhile, watched on.

Right-Back Picture Adds Pressure

Calvin Ramsay is another contender for minutes, and he had reason to feel frustration after a weekend in which he was overlooked. His encouraging League Cup performance against Crystal Palace drew praise from Slot, who said the defender was “calm on the ball” and showed “composure” during a difficult night. His display, described as “a decent-to-good game”, hinted at a player edging his way back into the senior picture.

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That makes Slot’s selection against Forest even more revealing. Neither Ramsay nor Gomez were trusted to start, resulting in Szoboszlai shifting out of a midfield role where he has been most influential this season.

Slot’s Long Term Decisions Loom

Forest’s 3-0 victory, making them only the fourth side to win at Anfield by three goals or more in Premier League history, sharpened the scrutiny. As Liverpool head into the PSV encounter, this is no longer a matter of rotation. It is about trust, squad structure and the direction Slot intends to take the defence over the next cycle.

If Gomez performs well but fails to retain his place, Joyce’s question will gather even greater momentum. Liverpool need clarity, and Gomez needs minutes. The next few weeks may determine whether both can still align.