Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson says Joe Gomez hasn't played enough football this season and should 'should move' in search of more game time.
The 24-year-old has played just 15 games this season totalling just over 700 minutes in all competitions so far. Both Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate are the favoured partners for Van Dijk at the moment meaning some of Gomez' game time has come at right back.
The central defender missed the majority of the previous campaign through injury, but has been unable to reclaim a starting place under Jurgen Klopp. Johnson, who made 200 appearances for Liverpool, warns you cannot have a 'good career' if you're not playing regularly.
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“I don’t know about where exactly but yes, Joe Gomez should move," he told Bettingodds.com. "He’s only getting older and he needs to play.
"When he’s fighting fit he’s a fantastic player but he’d probably be the first to tell you he hasn’t played enough football. He’s been unlucky with injuries but I definitely think the guy could have a really good career. But you can’t have a good career if you’re not playing.
"So for him personally I think he needs to either make it clear and really try to get into this team or accept it and move on and play his football elsewhere.
Throughout the January transfer window, Gomez was the subject of widespread transfer speculation with rumours suggesting the likes of Aston Villa were interested in bringing him in on loan. The upcoming World Cup only intensified those reports and Johnson warns the England international needs to be playing more regularly if he's to make the squad for Qatar later this year.
He added: “You’re not getting into Gareth Southgate’s England team if you’re not playing for your club. Let’s face it, Joe Gomez is not in Gareth’s plans at the moment. I think he’s good enough to be, but to turn a manager’s mind around in three months is going to be hard work.
"You just don’t know. Maybe he’ll just run out of time for the World Cup at the end of the year but if there’s any chance for him to head to Qatar then he needs to play.”
