Conservative fullbacks aid in the recovery of Liverpool’s defence

A last gasp winner against a lethargic-looking Stoke side may not be the stuff of footballing dreams, but Liverpool’s new look defence looks to have made real strides on last season’s shaky back line thanks, in part, to the implementation of more traditional fullbacks.

Although a rejuvenated Lovren may take the plaudits for now, even after so swiftly being casted as a scapegoat, the performance of the two fullbacks, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez was of particular significance in a match that required level-headedness and a testing extent of concentration.

Last season Rodgers’ decision to switch to a back three with wingbacks largely paper-mâchéd the cracks of an ailing defence. The more aggressively positioned defenders were expected to provide some cover, while frequently delivering crosses into the box, however this appeared to provide little tangible success with a lack of a focal target. Moreover, the extreme stamina required for the position was often lacking and with wingbacks in place Liverpool often felt unnecessarily exposed, with the players employed evidently incapable of tracking back or having the defensive skillset for the position itself entirely. Indeed, Jordan Ibe, Raheem Sterling or Jordan Henderson were never wingback material, but were decidedly stopgaps in an attempt to halt the defensive rot.

However, once this was principally ‘found out’, coincidently to the greatest degree by Stoke in the last game of the previous season, it was back to the drawing board for Brendan.

In preseason it was clear that a more conventional back four was the answer to the Northern Irishman’s problems. Of real note was the more traditional role of these new fullbacks, which has given a greater reaction time to deal with attacks, the more conservative position facilitating better decision-making both on and off the ball. Additionally, the tighter bank of four has created easier passing options for the centre-backs, who often last season cleared the ball aimlessly or passed it back to the keeper out of fear of losing possession.

The first choice centre-back pairing for Liverpool has rightly been widely debated, with the majority of fans preferring the levelheaded Sakho over Lovren, to pair with the steadfast Skrtel. However, this conundrum has largely detracted from the calculated acquisitions of Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez, who look to have nailed positions on each defensive flank, thanks to an impressive preseason and opening encounter against Stoke.

Source: liverpoolfc.com

If we first assess the talent of Joe Gomez it is clear he is well suited to the left full back position. Gomez’s physical presence and athleticism, combined with his desire and ability to consistently win the ball is certainly befitting to this role, and impressive to say the least.

Although he favours the centre-back responsibility and has even been compared to his idol Rio Ferdinand in his competency at such a position, Gomez has adapted quickly to this new challenge. His ability to ply his trade at both fullback slots has previously enabled somewhat of a fast track to experience at a high level for the youngster, even playing for Charlton’s U18s at just 13. Gomez’s defensive flexibility is a rare trait perhaps comparable to Arsenal’s Calum Chambers whose adaptability was utilised effectively last season by the Gunners. And, with aging defenders like John Terry (34) still dominating in the Premier League in a central position it is clear that Gomez’s ability to fill in at fullback has given him a composure and confidence unexpected of such a young player, and perhaps impossible to attain for a purely central defender.

For now these qualities seem to set Gomez above Alberto Moreno in the pecking order, accountable perhaps more noticeably to the Spaniard’s defensive liabilities at times during last season. Though many have suggested, given time, these could be easily be trained spelling a return to the first team, it will be tough to displace the Englishman while he remains in Brendan’s favour.

That’s not say to that Gomez performed flawlessly, a loose back pass and a yellow card could easily have derailed what was a solid performance, yet Gomez will be much better for having experienced such a challenging introduction to the Premier League. Indeed, there are far easier tests for a debutant than an away fixture positioned against Jonathon Walters, a player with vast experience and a wiliness that has previously damaged the Reds.

Certainly, it would be very easy to get carried away with Gomez’s performance, an assist on his debut and a demeanor that many idealistic fans have pointed to as not being too dissimilar to a young Paulo Maldini, would be easy logical stepping-stones. Yet, key to the success of Gomez and the new fullback roles will be managing expectations. At this stage it is evident that Gomez has the qualities to settle down and play logical football in response to the new challenges presented, despite the great expectations placed on such young shoulders.

For Nathaniel Clyne, expectation will not be so much a problem as continuing the rich vein of form he found last season. And, it was clear in the opener against the Staffordshire club that there would be no such issues, 100% tackles won, 100% aerial duels won, and a number of exceptional clearances were all impressive facets of a solid performance. Whereas Gomez appears somewhat as an unknown quantity Clyne looks to have settled quickly into a position he is not only familiar with, but truly excels above the rest of the league in.

The confidence of Clyne and Gomez looks to be spreading with Lovren’s decision making appearing far more convincing, and his passing accuracy of 87.5% preventing the unnecessary recycling of possession that occurred last season. Moreover, a number of confident aerial wins, and a more commanding performance appears encouraging especially considering the demands of a squad that will be entering a tiring European campaign.

Source: liverpoolfc.com

Regardless of whether Lovren’s performance will stick, it is clear Rodgers’ may have problems elsewhere. With Milner and Henderson’s double pivot appearing to be uncannily similar to Gerrard and Lampard’s partnership for England the safe selection of two defensive positions will be of some comfort. Certainly, being 6 goals better off is nothing to be sneered at.

Although both fullbacks’ limited license to go forward certainly impeded creative opportunities, it was clear that Rodgers’ intent was to win, not to create. Yet, it is highly likely that elsewhere in the season these same fullbacks will be employed to deliver an attacking threat. (A distinction made clear by Jamie Carragher during a somewhat heated argument with Gary Neville in which he elucidates the importance of modern fullbacks attacking intent)

Irrespective of the micro-tactics of fullbacks attacking responsibilities, it is clear where once last season observing the wide-eyed panic of a wingback attempting to track back would be unerringly frequent, the defensive assuredness of Clyne and Gomez is a welcome relief. Indeed for now, I would certainly trade marauding runs for defensive stability.