Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp urged to play 'best defender' Joe Gomez at centre-back

Joe Gomez is the best centre-back at Liverpool and should be given the chance to regularly play for his club in his preferred position, former Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has said.

Gomez, 20, was named man of the match after his outstanding performance at centre-back helped England keep Neymar and company at bay in the goalless draw with Brazil at Wembley on 14 November.

The former Charlton defender has started eight Premier League games for Liverpool this season, playing predominantly at right-back.

Sherwood praised England manager Gareth Southgate for backing young talent and urged Reds boss Jurgen Klopp to play Gomez at centre-back after his England heroics.

"Normally you have to play for your clubs to play for England, but Gareth is doing it the other way," the former England international told Sky Sports.

"He knows the players better than their club managers know them, which is strange. He recognises the boys aren't getting opportunities but he knows their good enough from working at the Under-21s.

"He's having to put them in the England squad to embarrass those clubs, who will then put them in their starting line-up.

"Every young English player will be encouraged by the fact the manager is taking note if they perform. It doesn't matter if you haven't played 200 games – you can only play three or four.

"If you asked me who the best centre-half is at Liverpool at the moment, I'd tell you Joe Gomez. But is he going to get an opportunity to play ahead of some other players – I'd suggest he's going to get limited game time."

Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan have been regulars in the centre-back positions for Liverpool since Dejan Lovren's axing in the aftermath of his disastrous performance in the 4-1 defeat at Spurs last month.

The Reds have the sixth-worst defensive record in the Premier League with 17 goals conceded in 11 fixtures.