Every player in Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool squad: Stay or sell?
By Tom Bogert
CB Joe Gomez: STAY
I’m not sure anyone questions that Gomez should stay next season. Some may question his position, though.
Don’t be a victim to recency. In the same way that Flanagan is a right fullback with the fluidity to play on the left, Gomez is a central defender who is adept at playing either fullback position. That’s a huge credit to the 18-year-old.
The right footed central defender fresh from a first senior season at Charlton impressed Rodgers so much that he forced his way into the starting XI at left back. That’s insane.
When the player was signed, my first thought was “who?”
I then did my due diligence, bar for the part where I pretended I knew who he was like I watched Charlton a bunch in my free time, then just assumed he’d be loaned out somewhere for the season.
Apparently that was Rodgers’ plan, too. Until a few weeks into preseason he was asked about that plan for Gomez, to which he asserted the boy was staying with the first team.
It is so infuriatingly unfortunate that he had to injure his ACL within days of Klopp’s takeover. Especially with all the games and injuries, Gomez would’ve gotten plenty of time. As it stands, Klopp has yet to work with the young defender. He hasn’t gotten a first hand feel for what he’s like as a player yet, which also is rather unfortunate.
Gomez proved he can kick it though. For sure.
Next: Alberto Moreno