Liverpool: This is the back four we want to see against West Brom
By David Gate
Center Back: Joe Gomez
Gomez was my man of the match against Everton in the Merseyside derby. The defender was outstanding at right back. His attacking and defensive contributions were both at an exceptional level.
On the defensive front he looks like a center back playing at full back. The way he muscles players and reads the danger is far more in tune with that of a center half. We have had glimpses of him in that role – one start and two in-game shuffles; against Spartak Moscow and Tottenham.
The one thing that is bugging Liverpool fans is that he could very well be our best center back. He has a much higher talent level than Ragnar Klavan and is far more consistent (and canny) than Dejan Lovren. In fact Joel Matip may be the only contender to be better than him. And Matip has shown nothing this year to make you think that Gomez couldn’t over take him with a good run.
Out attack has been spectacular this year and even in drier spells teams can’t keep clean sheets against us. Only the two Manchester clubs have achieved that feat. If we can improve our defense by a little, 20 or 25% less goals conceded, we can turn more of these draws into wins.