It hasn’t been the easiest spell at Norwich for the 23-year-old, who has again been asked to operate out of position for the benefit of the wider team. This was Gibbs’ third consecutive start on the right wing, having recently confirmed his natural role was in defensive midfield.
But with a queue of other options in those central areas, namely Kenny McLean, Sam Field and Jacob Wright, plus Pelle Mattsson and Mirko Topic who are currently injured, the likelihood of Gibbs forcing himself into those positions is slim.
During his time at Norwich, Gibbs has played as a central midfielder, right winger, left winger, striker, attacking midfielder, and right back. Only 27 of his 91 appearances for the club have come as a number six, with 16 of those coming in his breakthrough campaign under Dean Smith in 2022/23.
The bulk of his Norwich career has been spent out of position, most likely at the cost of his own individual development. Despite that and major adversity due to injuries, Gibbs has never sought to complain or make a nuisance of himself.
Liam Gibbs was shown a yellow card by referee Adam Herczeg (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd)
His performance at the King Power Stadium personified what he is all about: selfless, hard-working and disciplined. It is those three traits that explain why Philippe Clement has made the decision to persevere with Gibbs in that position ahead of other potential options.
The average position maps and flow of City’s attacks show they are lopsided towards the left wing. That makes sense given their central midfield pairing, McLean and Sam Field, are both left-footed, and Ali Ahmed’s presence gives them a natural skew to that flank.
That is reflected in their possession. Ahmed was found in the left half space nine times throughout the 90 minutes compared to Gibbs, who was picked out just once.
Gibbs’ industry is better illustrated by his 13 defensive actions. His dispossessing of Oliver Skipp in the first half enabled Paris Maghoma to glide into the Leicester half before seeing a shot turned wide by Jakub Stolarczyk.
But in tandem with Kellen Fisher, Gibbs secures the right side to ensure the wider structure remains intact. That framework provides the platform for Norwich’s more creative outlets to play with freedom. Those qualities, combined with his industry, are what have earned Clement’s trust over recent weeks.
Naturally, that comes at a cost of attacking output. Gibbs doesn’t offer the threat level of others, but did put more crosses into the box throughout this encounter than any other Norwich player with five.
Any analysis of his performance here and in recent weeks has to be viewed through the prism that he is operating out of position. In spite of that, Gibbs has given everything. Both team-mates and supporters recognised that in the closing stages is a testament to his efforts.
In the summer, it does feel as though Gibbs has a decision to make over his future at Carrow Road.
The aforementioned central midfield pathway feels congested, meaning Gibbs could be set for another role as a squad player in the 2026/27 campaign.
Had it not been for the injury crisis, Norwich would have likely sanctioned a loan move away from the club in January. Ex-City defender Jens Berthel Askou was heading the queue with his Motherwell side to take Gibbs until the end of the season. Sheffield Wednesday is another club that displayed interest in previous seasons.
That may well be the next step for Gibbs, to head away on loan in pursuit of consistent football in his favoured position. With two years left on his deal, it is the next step if such game time doesn’t come at Carrow Road.
But for now, Norwich need Gibbs to continue to provide stability and security on that right flank to enable Clement’s wider system to flourish in the way that it has.
It is a credit to the City boss that, irrespective of who has stepped into the side, has delivered without the wider performance level dropping. Gibbs’ efforts are another example of the culture that Clement has cultivated since his arrival in November.
VERDICT: A tireless shift full of industry and running. Everything has been viewed through the prism of the 23-year-old playing out of his natural position. Trusted by Clement and won some key turnovers. Pushed in front of the City fans to take some credit after the game.
RATING: 7 out of 10