Klopp’s tinkering with Gomez and Alexander-Arnold does neither player any good

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Jurgen Klopp has shown an immense amount of faith in Trent Alexander-Arnold, but it seems if he is still trying to protect the England international right back.

The German flits between the local boy and his international team-mate Joe Gomez on the right of his defence, with the more conservative Gomez generally getting the nod for tougher assignments.

He did exactly that for the trip to face French champions Paris Saint Germain last night, in the face of the threat of Neymar.

It did not do the trick as the Brazilian bagged the goal which turned out to be the winner as Thomas Tuchel’s side secured a crucial 2-1 win that leaves Liverpool’s European hopes hanging in the balance.

Of course there is a need to protect young players but the chopping and changing of the positions does not do either of the talented young players any good.

Alexander-Arnold may begin to feel his manager doesn’t trust him defensively, and Klopp is bereft of his superior attacking ability in tight matches that need quality to break open.

Gomez is still learning his trade as a centre-half and he needs to be in that role alongside Virgil van Dijk as often as possible to build up that relationship.

The presence of Dejan Lovren appeared to unsettle the Reds backline last night and it is tough to see the real upside of Klopp’s defensive tinkering.