I think at this point there has to be concern about Joe’s long term viability. Personally think we need a solid starter, expected to be #1 or #2.
But I doubt that’s what we do.
I have to say I agree with you. I don't know if Joe is injury prone but an ACL, achilles tendon and now patella tendon problems all seem to point in that direction, although I am no expert and would love to be wrong about it because it would ultimately mean we can count on Joe in the long term (and that he's going to be able to have a nice career regardless of if he stays at the club or not).
Back on subject. Imo, regardless of if we consider Joe to be injury prone or not, we have to ask ourselves the following question: assuming Klopp and the staff as a whole highly rate Rhys, Koumetio and Van Den Berg, is any of them ready and able to be significant competition for the #2 spot and if not, how long until so?
If the answer to this question is ''no'' followed by ''never'' or ''in 2 years minimum'' then I think we need to be in the market for somebody who's gonna be more than a guy you drop in the 4 Cbs rotation. Somebody who is going to give serious competition to Joe for his spot.
It is safe to consider Matip as a guy who's nice to have in the 4 Cbs rotation but it's also safe to say he's never gonna be that number two because he can't stay fit more than 3 or 4 games at a time. I personally think VVD-Matip is our best duo when everybody is fit but its just never going to happen.
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