Thursday 16 November 2017 08:26, UK
Tim Sherwood thinks Joe Gomez is Liverpool’s best centre-back but is worried he will be overlooked in that position by Jurgen Klopp.
Gomez defied his years with an outstanding full debut for England against Brazil on Tuesday as he kept Neymar quiet for the large majority of the game.
Despite being only 20-years-old with only 14 Premier League appearances under his belt, Sherwood thought his performance showed he should be the first-choice centre-back at Liverpool ahead of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip while also praising Gareth Southgate's decision to blood the youngsters.
"Normally you have to play for your clubs to play for England, but Gareth is doing it the other way," Sherwood told The Debate.
"He knows the players better than their club managers know them, which is strange.
"He recognises the boys aren't getting opportunities but he knows their good enough from working at the U21s.
"He's having to put them in the England squad to embarrass those clubs, who will then put them in their starting line-up.
"Every young English player will be encouraged by the fact the manager is taking note if they perform. It doesn't matter if you haven't played 200 games - you can only play three or four.
"If you asked me who the best centre-half is at Liverpool at the moment, I'd tell you Joe Gomez. But is he going to get an opportunity to play ahead of some other players - I'd suggest he's going to get limited game time."
Former Liverpool striker Craig Bellamy was also a guest on The Debate and he believes Gomez has sent a message to people at the club that he could be the answer to the team's defensive problems.
"Gomez has put himself into a good position following these internationals," he said.
"Liverpool supporters will be thinking they've got a player here. Defending-wise, he looks comfortable in a two or a three. But what I like about him is the pressure he puts on forwards - he was up against Neymar, who is an incredible footballer.
"But Gomez put good distances between him and the front players, plus he has pace to burn too. He looks like he enjoys defending which is rare in young footballers."
