Micah Richards told BBC Radio 5 Live (05/10/20 at 7:55 pm) that Joe Gomez is being exposed by Liverpool because of the high-line Jurgen Klopp is playing.
The former Manchester City defender also feels Virgil van Dijk was ’embarrassed’ during Liverpool’s 7-2 to defeat at the hands of Aston Villa over the weekend.
During that game at Villa Park, Gomez was substituted in the second half by Jurgen Klopp as he opted to put Fabinho alongside his previously reliable Dutchman.
Villa simply used the space in behind Liverpool’s defence to hurt them time after time on Sunday, and Richards shares the problem Klopp’s side have when pushing up the pitch.
“You don’t want to shut up shop [at 4-1], but you don’t want to concede seven as well,” Richards told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Virgil van Dijk, one of the best defenders in the world, and he was embarrassed. I don’t have a problem with the high line. I really don’t because Gomez and Van Dijk are quick enough to get back.
“What the problem is that they are holding the line and then not running back. It’s like they are always expecting to catch everyone offside. There was a couple of times with Gomez, who I think is one of the best English defenders, but I think how they want him to play, they are sometimes exposing him. It’s almost like he’s not expecting it at times.”
On one hand, this tactic by Liverpool saw them being crowned champions of England last season, so drastic changes shouldn’t be made.
But equally, conceding seven goals at any level is something that sticks in the head for a long time and those Liverpool players will want to put it right after the international break.
They will have the likes of Jordan Henderson, Thiago and Sadio Mane back in action and it wouldn’t be a surprise if all three start their next league game.
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