Ahead of a huge clash between Manchester City and Liverpool at The Etihad this Saturday we caught up with Liverpool legend John Barnes. Barnes shared his thoughts on how Liverpool will approach the fixture tactically, the importance of John Stones and Rodri and how impressed he has been with summer signing Dominic Szoboszlai.
In this article:
- Liverpool won’t adapt approach for City
- City don’t rely on De Bruyne
- Rodri is the best defensive midfielder in the world
- Tsimikas a fantastic understudy
- Gomez should start at left back against City
- Szoboszlai is the most complete midfielder in the country
Liverpool Won’t Adapt Approach For City
Over the last few years, the Manchester City vs. Liverpool clash has become a fixture that defines the league. It’s one of the most anticipated matches, featuring two giants, Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp, going head to head. It’s a battle of styles: rock and roll versus orchestra, possession versus high-octane football. After a down year last season, it seems Klopp and his troops are ready to resume their battle with Guardiola. Barnes doesn’t expect Liverpool to alter their approach, despite the threat and dominance of City.
“Liverpool will approach this game like they approach every other game. Liverpool don’t change their approach depending on who or where they’re playing.
“Some teams tend to be more cautious against City but Liverpool will play the same way. There may be a tweak formation or positionally. Gakpo could be used as a false nine or a ten.
“It’s the same way Manchester City don’t change the way they play no matter who they play.
“Liverpool are better equipped this year to take on City than they were last season from a balanced perspective and midfielders capable of fulfilling their roles so I’m expecting Liverpool to put on a better show of themselves than they did last season.”
City Don’t Rely On De Bruyne
City have been without their talisman Kevin De Bruyne since the first game of the season. The Belgian has been out with a severe hamstring injury since their opening day clash with Burnley yet still sit top of the league. Despite De Bruyne’s brilliance, Barnes says City won’t miss the midfielder.
“City have been without KDB all season and look how well they’re doing.
“City don’t rely on KDB to perform. They’re a fantastic side with fantastic players and it won’t be any easier. Look at the signings they’ve made. It won’t be a factor.”
Rodri Is The Best Defensive Midfielder In The World
Rodri has established himself as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders after a challenging first season in Manchester. The midfielder required an adaptation period during a time when City was transitioning away from their Fernandinho era. Although Fernandinho was excellent in front of the City defence, he wasn’t a typical Pep Guardiola number six. Fernandinho was arguably more well-rounded, particularly with his athleticism. However, Rodri closely resembles Busquets. Additionally, he has now added goal-scoring to his game, with clutch goals at that.
“City are such an attacking team that they need a defensive midfielder who will sit and protect the defence. Rodri is the defensive linchpin. Stones also moves into midfield to help support.
“Rodri is probably the best number 6 in the world at the moment. Without him they wouldn’t be half the team they are despite all the attacking talent they have.
“Stones being out is a loss but Rico Lewis has shown how capable he is. City don’t rely on one player. Kovavic can play as a 6 but also can play as an 8. He has a willingness to defend and work hard.”
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‘Tsimikas Is A Fantastic Understudy’
Since the injury sustained by Scottish left back Andy Robertson Liverpool and Klopp have been required to rely on deputy Kostas Tsimikas. He has enjoyed a sustained run in the Liverpool side and Barnes says the Greek is the perfect understudy who performs when called upon.
“Tsimikas is a fantastic understudy. That doesn’t mean that when Andy Robertson returns, he’ll take Robbo’s place.
“Tsimikas has never let Liverpool down when he’s played. If you want an understudy to come in and do a good job, he’s great.”
Barnes Makes Joe Gomez Claim
Interestingly, Liverpool also has the option of playing Joe Gomez as a left-back. Gomez has struggled in recent years at Liverpool due to injury and inconsistency. Once seen as the future of both Liverpool and England, he has since stagnated and finds himself at a crossroads in his career. However, Barnes is a fan of his versatility and feels that Gomez would be a better option at left-back against City this weekend.
“It depends on who you play against and how you want to perform. Defensively Gomez is a better player and defender. If you’re up against a team that may dominate possession or have a winger that excels in 1vs1 then Gomez is the better choice.
“If you’re looking for more balance and someone more likely to get forward then Tsimikas is a better option.
“If you factor in the City game this weekend Gomez may be a better option as Joe is less likely to want to get forward.”
Szoboszlai is the most complete midfielder in the country
The summer signing of Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai caught many in the football world by surprise. However, a bigger shock has been how well he has settled and performed for Liverpool. So much so, Barnes has claimed that Szoboszlai is currently the best all-round midfielder in the Premier League.
“Szoboszlai can do everything as a midfielder. He can drive forward with the ball, can play one and two touch, you can use him as a six, eight or ten.
“He’s a throwback to an old school midfielder who does it all. A box to box midfielder which we don’t have anymore.
“He can do everything. He can even play wide on the right. Defensive, attacking. He’s just a complete midfield player. The best complete midfielder in the country.”
