Johnson proposes solution for Liverpool's left-back problem before January

Glen Johnson, the former Liverpool defender, has urged coach Andoni Iraola to give Joe Gomez a chance to play at left-back, believing he is capable of solving the problem the team is facing in that position this season without the need to sign a new player in the winter transfer window.

Liverpool are struggling with instability at left-back in recent months, with Milos Kerkez and Konstantinos Tsimikas both underperforming. Iraola has primarily relied on the former in Premier League matches, while the latter has featured more prominently in cup games during the midweek.

Johnson said: "There is definitely a case for giving Joe Gomez a chance to play at left-back. We all know the instability that Kerkez and Tsimikas have suffered this season, and I see no reason why Gomez cannot perform better than both of them."

He added: "Gomez will be very happy to get more playing minutes with the first team, regardless of the position he plays. I believe he is capable of solving the left-back problem at Liverpool."

He added: "It will be easy for him to adapt to this position, as he does not tend to push forward offensively, but he can secure the left side and fulfill his defensive duties. He is capable of playing with discipline and providing the defensive contribution that Liverpool needs."

He explained: "He is not left-footed, but he does not need to be if he is not required to advance and send crosses. I think giving Iraola this opportunity will be a logical step in the near future."

Liverpool's defensive issues extend to the right side as Conor Bradley continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury, alongside Jeremy Frimpong's physical problems and decline in form. This has led the team to rely on Ronald Araújo, on loan from FC Barcelona, in this position.

In contrast, Johnson warned against moving Dominik Szoboszlai back to right-back, praising the level Araújo is providing, as well as the partnership between Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.

He said: "The partnership that Trey Nyoni has built with Alexis Mac Allister in midfield during recent matches has been amazing, and Nyoni looks great and shows no signs of confusion despite his young age."

He added: "I love Szoboszlai a lot, and I think he is an extremely special player. He should not be moved back to the right-back position just to find a place for him in the lineup. He deserves to play in midfield and attacking positions."

He concluded: "I don't think Araújo has made any mistakes this season, and therefore leaving him out of the lineup would be a wrong decision. Midfielders should be allowed to compete for their positions, and it is a luxury for one of them to have to miss out on the lineup in every match, as this reflects the depth of the squad that the team will need with the busy schedule during the Christmas period and beyond."