Six contracts Liverpool need to get nailed down this summer
By David Gate
No.6: Joe Gomez
The young defender only signed a new deal 18 months ago but a lot has happened since then. At the time that deal was one that believed in his potential. He had barely played a game for the club after spending over a year out the side with injury.
Now 18 months into this deal he has proved that his talent can go from potential to productivity. A lot will depend on how much Klopp values Gomez’ flexibility. The defender has primarily been a right back with his initial games under Rodgers at left back.
He has yet to see a decent run of games at center back; the role most believe to be his natural position. Does Klopp see him as viable option in the middle? It is hard to tell as he has been needed so regularly at right back this season.
Nathaniel Clyne has been injured for the most the year and has been Trent Alexander-Arnold learning the position. Gomez has been the most reliable option at the position for Klopp until the last month or so.
But Clyne’s return to fitness and Alexander-Arnold’s excellent progress means the manager can use Gomez in middle if he so wishes. The England manager Gareth Southgate is convinced of that potential; he has started him at center back in a back three twice this year.
Next: Brendan Rodgers' signings ranked - all 32!
Therefore if Klopp views Gomez as legitimate cover for all three defensive positions then it is worth signing him on a better deal and let him develop into the Swiss Army Knife defender we need to have in the squad.