Can Joe Gomez Become A Key Player For Liverpool This Season?
Following the departures of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Roberto Firmino this summer, Joe Gomez became Liverpool’s longest-serving player.
He remains the last player signed by previous manager Brendan Rodgers but quickly became an important player for Jürgen Klopp, who joined the club in October 2015, but the defender suffered a season-ending injury in his first season with the club.
Throughout the years, Gomez has proved himself to be an outstanding centre-back at times but his career so far has certainly been marred by injuries.
With rumours that Liverpool may bring in a defender before the end of the transfer window, his future has been speculated about but a departure this late in the window looks wholly unlikely.
An impressive performance against Newcastle in Liverpool’s 2-1 win this past weekend drew him a lot of praise and brought up the question – can Joe Gomez become a key player for Liverpool this season?
He Can Replace Andy Robertson In The Starting Line-Up
The new system Jürgen Klopp implemented last season in order to combat the midfield issues the team was experiencing has Andy Robertson playing in a left centre-back position.
While the team are unbeaten with the system, dating back to last season, it’s been a struggle for Robertson who has found it difficult to stay in position considering he’s always been able to bomb forward in his natural left-back position since joining Liverpool in 2017.
Having Gomez in that position is certainly a much better fit for the team thanks to the 26-year-old’s attributes and he showed that in the game against Newcastle this past Sunday.
With Ibrahima Konaté out with injury and Virgil van Dijk suspended for Liverpool’s next game against Aston Villa on September 3rd, Gomez will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities once again.
He’ll Be A Squad Option
If everyone is fit, Joe Gomez is a squad option, it’s as simple as that.
Konaté and van Dijk are Liverpool’s two best defenders while the club are also reportedly looking into buying a centre-back before the end of the transfer window on August 31st.
Some fans still remember some of Gomez’s dismal performances last season, especially Liverpool’s 5-2 defeat at Anfield by Real Madrid where the Englishman was at fault for multiple Madrid goals.
And with Konaté and van Dijk ahead of him, it’ll be difficult for him to play week in, week out.
However, Liverpool do play in four competitions this season so the opportunity for considerable minutes is there for Gomez.
Do you think he can become a key player for Liverpool this season?
