Former Liverpool player Jason McAteer has criticised the performance of both Joe Gomez and Joel Matip against Wolves today.
The centre-back duo were both at fault as Wolves scored twice in the opening 12 minutes. And speaking to LFCTV following the game, McAteer said the two players showed a lack of communication and understanding.
“I do think the first 20 minutes Liverpool were far too open, they handed Wolves the opportunity to get in front,” he began. “Again, individual errors. We spoke about centre-halves not having played together, communication, and that was probably on show in that first 20 minutes – the lack of communication, lack of understanding from both centre-halves.
“Individual errors have led to us going 2-0 down and giving us, not a mountain to climb, but flipping heck.”
Gomez and Matip take the brunt
Gomez and Matip have come under the spotlight for a pretty disastrous showing against Wolves today.
And to be honest, rightfully so. The way Matip stood off Hwang Hee-Chan in the build up to the opening goal of the day just five minutes in was inexcusable.
For a supposed top-level defender, it simply isn’t good enough. As the senior man at the back in Virgil van Dijk’s absence, he has to be stepping up more convincingly.
And then there’s Gomez. Why Liverpool saw fit to give the 25-year-old a new contract last summer is anyone’s guess.
After a brilliant 2019/20 season, Gomez hasn’t shown anything to suggest he should be part of Liverpool’s long-term future.
On the contrary, this campaign has shown exactly why he should not be. This is far from the first shocker we’ve seen from the former Charlton man in 2022/23.
Who could forget his pathetic performance in Naples, where he got turned inside out before being hooked at half-time. Or how about his game-costing display at Nottingham Forest, where his inability to play out from the back led to a costly goal.
Today’s limp display at Wolves goes straight in there as another memorable Gomez blunder. The worst thing is, Liverpool currently don’t have any other options. These two will have to go again when Everton come to Anfield a week on Monday. Can’t wait.