Liverpool Star: Playing Against Bukayo Saka Is “Tough”

By The Editor
on 9th January 2024

Joe Gomez recaps his battle with Saka…

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez admitted that trying to contain Bukayo Saka is tough after the Reds secured their passage into the fourth round of the FA Cup, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Gomez was part of a rearguard that conceded 18 shots at the Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta’s side continued their poor form in front of goal.

The Saka versus Gomez duel almost saw us take the lead as the former picked the Liverpool defender’s pocket with the ball falling into Kai Havertz’s path who decided to look for a teammate.

Reiss Nelson’s attempt was blocked by Ibrahima Konate, though the ball fell kindly to Martin Odegaard who could only crash the bar with his effort.

Gomez admitted that Saka is a rare winger to face in the league, with the 22-year-old attempting to take his man on at any given opportunity.

“It’s tough playing against Bukayo Saka,” the 26-year-old was quoted as saying.

“He’s obviously a top player and a direct winger.

“It’s not often the case these days in the Premier League but he’s one that will stay wide to pick up the ball and drive at you. It was tough and I knew it was going to be having played against him so recently.”

Returning to our free-scoring ways relies on the form of Saka who is still the club’s leading Premier League goalscorer this term with six efforts.

However, despite being our most devastating forward, Saka is often told to hug the touchline which allows the opposition to suffocate him – often with three players.

Saka’s starting position in the final third is too far from the goal and Arteta needs to find a way to allow the 22-year-old to roam centrally.

That may come at the expense of one of our attacking midfielders, but sacrifices have to be made if we’re going to unlock our attacking potential and save our season.