Liverpool could be facing a major defensive selection headache ahead of Sunday’s huge clash with Manchester City, with Jérémy Jacquet now a doubt after suffering a hamstring strain while on international duty with France. 😰🇫🇷
Jacquet had quickly become one of the most important pieces in Andoni Iraola’s new-look defence, regularly starting alongside captain Virgil van Dijk. His possible absence could force Iraola into a difficult decision at Anfield.
And now the big question is screaming for an answer… WHO SHOULD PARTNER VAN DIJK? 🤔🔥
🛡️ JOE GOMEZ
The experienced option.
Gomez is back available and knows Liverpool’s defensive system inside out. The 29-year-old has made 127 appearances at centre-back for the Reds, giving Iraola a player with plenty of experience in high-pressure Premier League battles.
Against a Manchester City side, that experience could be extremely valuable. Gomez also has the versatility to cover at right-back if required, potentially allowing Iraola to keep the defensive structure relatively stable. 💪🔴
🇺🇾 RONALD ARAÚJO
Then there is the powerhouse option.
Araújo arrived from Barcelona on a season-long loan specifically to strengthen Liverpool’s defence and can operate both at centre-back and right-back.
Moving him into the middle alongside Van Dijk would give Liverpool a physically imposing partnership, but it could also create another problem: who fills the right-back position? 👀
Liverpool have already relied on Araújo at right-back this season, meaning moving him centrally could trigger another defensive reshuffle.
🔥 VAN DIJK + GOMEZ? Experience, familiarity and fewer changes.
🔥 VAN DIJK + ARAÚJO? Power, aggression and a potentially terrifying physical battle for City’s attackers.
And with Liverpool preparing for one of their biggest games of the season, Iraola has very little room for error. Jacquet’s absence could force a tactical gamble at exactly the wrong time. 😳
The Reds have started the campaign unbeaten, but Manchester City at Anfield is a completely different test. 🔴🏟️
If Jacquet doesn’t make it, who are you starting next to Van Dijk?
JOE GOMEZ 🛡️ OR RONALD ARAÚJO 💪? 👀🔥
