Liverpool legend Barnes has rendered his pick between Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate partnering Virgil van Dijk next season
Jurgen Klopp is hoping to remain at full strength in his side's defence after seeing his options decimated by injury last season.
The ranks at Anfield have been bolstered by the £36million arrival of French defender Konate from RB Leipzig , with the 22-year-old looking to edge above England international Joe Gomez in the pecking order.
Reds legend John Barnes gave his verdict on who partners Van Dijk.
The former Liverpool forward believe the money spent on Konate makes the French centre-half a leading candidate.
He told Goal: "It will be interesting to see who starts in central defence for Liverpool alongside Virgil van Dijk next season. In the long term Joe Gomez will be fine, but he’s young and he’s had his injury problems.
"Having splashed out so much money on a centre-back in Ibrahima Konate, they'll probably start with him alongside Van Dijk - presuming Van Dijk is fit for the start of the season - but it’s always good to have competition for places."