Jurgen Klopp suggests Joe Gomez could play right-back for Liverpool against Manchester City
Liverpool face Manchester City this weekend and Jurgen Klopp has a big call on his hands when it comes to who plays at right-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the game through injury. It means Klopp has a big decision to make in terms of who will replace the in-form England star.
Alexander-Arnold has started the season well. He’s looking back to his best after missing out on the England squad in the summer. However, his importance to the team means his absence will also be felt hard.
But Klopp insists he has a number of options for the clash with City this weekend. And one of those options could be to play Joe Gomez in Trent’s place.
“We have options for the position [RB] – we have James, Joe and Neco. We could also change the system, we’ve had time to train this week,” Klopp told his pre-match press conference.
“A lot is possible but football is not the game when you have these 1-v-1s for a long time. Seconds, yes, but players have protection. We have to defend as a unit.”
Gomez, who earns around £75k-a-week with Liverpool, has played right-back before in his earlier days. Slotting in, then, should prove easy enough for the defender.
TBR’s View: Joe Gomez a good option for Liverpool
Given City’s impressive attacking play and relentless style, playing Gomez – who is probably the best defensive option here – might make sense.
Of course, James Milner and young Neco Williams have done well in the past when needed. But this is a huge game, and keeping tight at the back might be key.
Gomez, then, could well be the smartest option for Klopp against Guardiola’s charges.
