Virgil & Joe

[rurikbird]

It must be disheartening to play against those two. I had to laugh when Tielemans released Praet on the left of the penalty area with a classic defense-splitting pass and then Gomez turned on the afterburners and just like that caught up with him, easily defusing the situation. Then for the only time in the game Vardy got the better of Gomez – and there was Van Dijk barreling in from the left at full speed like a human torpedo, immediately putting an end to this nonsense. How are you even supposed to score against them?

 

[Dreambeliever]

It’s no surprise considering the foundations for our impressive defence last season was laid by these two.

Will be our first choice CB pairing barring injury

 

[Stevesquash]

It’s no surprise considering the foundations for our impressive defence last season was laid by these two.

Will be our first choice CB pairing barring injury

That highlight reel was amazing. It's not just that they are difficult to score against, they win every header, they have pace to burn, but each headed clearance finds a man. Give them space and they maraud forward and find a defence splitting pass. With the full backs, just wow. What a "defence". I should say what a back 4....

 

[Frogfish]

I know last season quite a few of us on here said this is our CB partnership for the next few years at least so it's delightful to see them return to that imperious level.

Also sometimes mentioned but not highlighted aspects of this partnership are the way Gomez just drives into the midfield knowing that with VvD behind him he can take that risk, I know Matip does this occasionally too but Gomez's passing is generally much better. And VvD's sensational long passing to either wing or sometimes directly into the danger area (I've seen Gomez getting better at this too). They really are another class as a partnership.

 

[Rafiagra]

Brilliant that Joe has recaptured his form as he was having a few mares earlier on. If only there was a saying about a player’s form..

 

[gene hughes]

I just love watching games and knowing that they can catch almost anyone.

 

[Gary25]

Been a bit shaky since he came back Gomez but not many better one on one. He's lightening.

 

[Atlas]

At times Gomez feels like he lacks confidence, maybe it's just cos he doesn't have the swagger and is a lot quieter than the likes of TAA and other young English players. Was worried the injuries and Sterling/England issues would cause him problems but he's been amazing recently solid alongside VVD

 

[moron]

At times Gomez feels like he lacks confidence, maybe it's just cos he doesn't have the swagger and is a lot quieter than the likes of TAA and other young English players. Was worried the injuries and Sterling/England issues would cause him problems but he's been amazing recently solid alongside VVD

I think that game in the world club cup, the first one without VVD...made a man of him, he was the lone defender, he needed that and its done him a world of good.

 

[mwake]

Then for the only time in the game Vardy got the better of Gomez – and there was Van Dijk barreling in from the left at full speed like a human torpedo, immediately putting an end to this nonsense.

lol


Still not sure... I know im in a minority but peak Matip is a contender for Gomez, in fact if I had to pick one I would go for Matip as his heading is better than Gomez, but its close. Gomez advantage is that he is faster than Matip so maybe its a case of horses for courses. If your playing a team with fast attackers play Gomez but for all other times I still think Matip is the overall better player.

 

[moron]

lol


Still not sure... I know im in a minority but peak Matip is a contender for Gomez, in fact if I had to pick one I would go for Matip as his heading is better than Gomez, but its close. Gomez advantage is that he is faster than Matip so maybe its a case of horses for courses. If your playing a team with fast attackers play Gomez but for all other times I still think Matip is the overall better player.

Matips runs into midfield and some of his passing was very good for our overall play.

 

[Frogfish]

At times Gomez feels like he lacks confidence, maybe it's just cos he doesn't have the swagger and is a lot quieter than the likes of TAA and other young English players. Was worried the injuries and Sterling/England issues would cause him problems but he's been amazing recently solid alongside VVD

Don't think he lacks confidence ... look how he treated Sterling 😀

 

[Frogfish]

Matips runs into midfield and some of his passing was very good for our overall play.

But not as good as Gomez's. Matip runs usually go like this : runs past player 1 ! Runs past player 2 ! Runs up against players 3&4 and loses possession 😉

 

[Frogfish]

lol


Still not sure... I know im in a minority but peak Matip is a contender for Gomez, in fact if I had to pick one I would go for Matip as his heading is better than Gomez, but its close. Gomez advantage is that he is faster than Matip so maybe its a case of horses for courses. If your playing a team with fast attackers play Gomez but for all other times I still think Matip is the overall better player.

Matip has done brilliantly but don't forget Gomez with VvD was virtually untouchable last season up until his injury .. at which point the whole forum had an intake of breath, until we saw Matip playing very well.

 

[My_Blood_Bleeds_Red]

I'm looking forward to see how Van Dijk and Gomez put a leash on that beast Traore in the next game.

 

[King Binny]

 

[binomial]

Matip was unbelievably good when Gomez was injured and now Gomez is doing the same, both have benefited at each others expense.

Maybe when Virgil needs a rest or a break from suspension Joe and Matip can play together and do just as well.

Gomez obviously deals better with quicker forwards, whereas Matip is a huge aerial threat...I don't think Joe even goes up for corners which is pretty rare for a CB.

 

[CT_LFC]

Deciding which of Matip or Gomez is a better partner is a sweet ass problem to have. Gomez was a stud muffin til he got hurt then Joel stepped in and was da mothafukin boss out there playing brilliantly nailing down the spot until he eventually went down injured himself. Then Joe came back in, after looking rusty and unimpressive in the games before Matip’s injury, and has played superbly again indisputably reclaiming the job as VVDs partner in crime.

Gomez is def faster but Matip is better at running through the midfield and help us create when we’re stagnant. Both fantastic players to have.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Deciding which of Matip or Gomez is a better partner is a sweet ass problem to have. Gomez was a stud muffin til he got hurt then Joel stepped in and was da mothafukin boss out there playing brilliantly nailing down the spot until he eventually went down injured himself. Then Joe came back in, after looking rusty and unimpressive in the games before Matip’s injury, and has played superbly again indisputably reclaiming the job as VVDs partner in crime.

Gomez is def faster but Matip is better at running through the midfield and help us create when we’re stagnant. Both fantastic players to have.

I don’t think Matip is better at that at all.

Gomez has done it very well when needed. Thing is we haven’t needed it much and he doesn’t get caught out like Matip.

 

[Frogfish]

I don’t think Matip is better at that at all.

Gomez has done it very well when needed. Thing is we haven’t needed it much and he doesn’t get caught out like Matip.

Yep. And Gomez rarely loses the ball when he does go into midfield, he almost always finds his man whereas Matip slaloms (though it does look like stumbling at times) past 2 or 3 and then messes up the off-load.

 

[mom]

Matip is a good defender and makes a great back up to Gomez.

 

[Brizzle]

I’m surprised we don’t see Joe getting into the box for Corners, he’s got a good leap on him. It’s definitely not the strongest part of his game but he’s athletic and agile enough to make space for himself and others getting in the mix.

 

[juniormember]

I’m surprised we don’t see Joe getting into the box for Corners, he’s got a good leap on him. It’s definitely not the strongest part of his game but he’s athletic and agile enough to make space for himself and others getting in the mix.

I think him and Robbo covering for counter attacks is pretty important.

 

[lfc.eddie]

I’m surprised we don’t see Joe getting into the box for Corners, he’s got a good leap on him. It’s definitely not the strongest part of his game but he’s athletic and agile enough to make space for himself and others getting in the mix.

One of our fullbacks are taking corners, therefore they needed someone that has pace and defensive ability to cover just in case there's a counter attack after the set piece. Fabinho is out injured, and Trent usually the one taking corners, so that left Robertson and Gomez to cover the defence.

Our best centre half pairing for sure.

 

[Dreambeliever]

Yep. And Gomez rarely loses the ball when he does go into midfield, he almost always finds his man whereas Matip slaloms (though it does look like stumbling at times) past 2 or 3 and then messes up the off-load.

Ya that’s what I meant when I said caught out. I meant as he comes forward with the ball breaking the line.

 

[Frogfish]

I’m surprised we don’t see Joe getting into the box for Corners, he’s got a good leap on him. It’s definitely not the strongest part of his game but he’s athletic and agile enough to make space for himself and others getting in the mix.

And he doesn't have a hexagonal shaped head.

 

[manwithnoname]

Matip was unbelievably good when Gomez was injured and now Gomez is doing the same, both have benefited at each others expense.

Maybe when Virgil needs a rest or a break from suspension Joe and Matip can play together and do just as well.

Gomez obviously deals better with quicker forwards, whereas Matip is a huge aerial threat...I don't think Joe even goes up for corners which is pretty rare for a CB.

A huge aerial threat with his one goal a season.

 

[binomial]

A huge aerial threat with his one goal a season.

Still 1 goal a season more than Joe.

How many goals is a CB supposed to get from corners & free kicks?

 

[manwithnoname]

Still 1 goal a season more than Joe.

How many goals is a CB supposed to get from corners & free kicks?

I don't know, but I'd expect a player described as a "huge aerial threat" to score more than one.

unless of course, the person describing him as a "huge aerial threat" was a fucking mong

 

[doctor_mac]

He doesn't mean it @binomial, he's just still hurt by the news that you play with other LFC forums.