It’s harsh on Matip but Van Dijk and Gomez are . . . PERFECT PARTNERS
It might be harsh on Joel Matip after the job he did last season but Liverpool’s style of play suits the Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez defensive partnership more.
that is what Jurgen Klopp seems set to prioritise, starting this Friday against Norwich in the Premier League. I think it is the right call, too.
Van Dijk was purring around the pitch at Wembley yesterday. You could see the confidence coursing through last season’s Premier League Player of the Year as he started alongside Gomez.
Klopp likes a high line and he tells his full backs to push up the pitch in a bid to press and win possession. that is his philosophy, and it is a brave one because it leaves your two central defenders at the back to stamp out any attacks.
In Van Dijk and Gomez, though, Liverpool have two centre backs who almost tell their opponents: ‘Bring it on.’
they are confident enough that if a ball is launched over the top of that high line then they can beat you in a foot race. It is about mobility. this does not mean Matip will not be used by the European champions this season. Yesterday I felt trent Alexander-Arnold looked a little tired, and it is not out of the question that Gomez could sometimes be used at right back.
Liverpool now have a few days to recharge their batteries and finalise their preparations for their assault on the Premier League.
I left Wembley disappointed we did not get to see extra time — I was enjoying this encounter that much. It was a proper contest.
I have been to a number of Community Shields that simply resembled days out, but this had a competitive edge to it. there were plenty of physical battles and it was a mouth-watering look ahead to what we will see from City and Liverpool this season.
It will be interesting to see what Pep Guardiola does with his attack. Gabriel Jesus might have been concerned to see Raheem Sterling starting up front while he was only a substitute. Even after his Copa America appearances, Jesus would have been keen to start here.
Guardiola also rested Sergio Aguero by leaving him on the bench. Sterling is better when out on the wing, so it will be interesting to see how City line up at West Ham this Saturday.