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da jogodeouro： Raheem Sterling has always had a torrid time when returning to Anfield since his move to Manchester City in 2015, and Sunday was no exception as Liverpool youngster Joe Gomez dominated the 23-year-old, to the delight of the home crowd.
Gomez has been hugely impressive at centre-back alongside Virgil van Dijk so far this season, but was shifted out to the right by Jurgen Klopp as Trent Alexander-Arnold dropped to the bench and Dejan Lovren came back into the side.
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The 21-year-old’s defensive performance was exceptional, and proved just how good a defender he could be in the future. His two best qualities were on full display as he had far to much strength and pace to allow Sterling any chance to run with the ball or influence the game in any way.
However, the decision by Klopp to play him at right-back was clearly a defensive move and certainly contributed to Liverpool’s lack of creativity in the 0-0 draw, as Gomez often struggled when asked to get forward.
Full-backs are so important to the Liverpool system, as they are for many top teams these days, and they are often the out ball when playing high and wide as wingers often prefer to tuck inside. Andrew Robertson and Alexander-Arnold have excelled for the Reds over the past two years and Gomez didn’t quite have the quality to provide the cutting edge against an equally cautious City at Anfield.
The England international completed two tackles in the game and his stats were impressive as he did have a very good game. The two shots he had were both weak though and only three of his six crosses found a Liverpool teammate.
The lack of goals obviously can’t all be blamed on a full-back, and Gomez did play three key passes, but it is now clear that the former Charlton man must be regarded as a centre-back after his start to the season. His inclusion at right-back against City certainly helped make Liverpool harder to beat, but going forward he also hindered their creativity.
So, Liverpool fans, would you agree that Gomez should be playing centre-back or would he be better as a right-back in the future? Have your say by voting in the poll below.