Liverpool’s Joe Gomez in Premier League team of the season

Much has been made of Gareth Southgate’s bold England squad selection in recent days and following the withdrawals of a number of first team regulars there are set to be new faces on display in upcoming friendlies with Germany and Brazil.

As many as four players could make their senior Three Lions debuts within the next week, while almost half of the players remaining have received fewer than ten international caps.

One of those hoping to make his first appearance for England is Joe Gomez, and in the defender’s case his inclusion is certainly justified. Indeed, while Liverpool’s defensive problems have continued their most consistent performer at the back has arguably been the 20-year-old, who is filling in for the injured Nathaniel Clyne at right-back.

His versatility in that sense has made the former Charlton graduate a genuine contender for next summer’s World Cup, with Southgate reportedly earmarking the youngster for a spot on the right of a back three.

In nine league appearances this season, Gomez has secured a solid WhoScored.com rating of 7.11 and subsequently earned a place in the Premier League team of the season so far. He leads Liverpool in terms of tackles and interceptions per game combined, with 3.7, and has shown quality in the final third two, creating nine chances and registering an assist.

He’s joined in WhoScored.com’s team of the season so far by Burnley’s Nick Pope and James Tarkowski, both of whom have stepped up to the first team in superb fashion, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Ben Davies complete the back four.

Such has been Manchester City’s dominance that the midfield four all play for the league leaders, while joint top scorers Sergio Aguero and Harry Kane (both on 8 goals) lead the line.