Liverpool new boy Joe Gomez made his Premier League debut for the Reds on Sunday as they defeated Stoke 1-0. Gomez, 18-years old, was a £3.5million summer signing from Charlton Athletic and many expected the defender to be a fringe player for the Reds or to even be sent out on loan for the season.
But Gomez proved his worth during pre-season by slotting in at the left-back position and virtually making it his own through out the Reds tour. It is opportunities like this that made Gomez join Liverpool.
Gomez explained, “One of the reasons I wanted to come to Liverpool is because Brendan is such a great manager giving young players opportunities and I’m thankful for that.”
Liverpool’s left-back went on to say, following Liverpool’s victory over Stoke, “It was a great experience and obviously getting the win at the end made it better,” he said.
“The last few months, I would never have dreamed that I’d get the opportunity as quickly as I have.”
Although Gomez is known as a central defender, he has done very well at left-back so far by keeping Alberto Moreno out the side. If Gomez continues to perform the way he is then there is no reason why he can not stay in the side as he is very solid defensively and has the athleticism to go forward.
Brendan Rodgers has been brilliant at giving young players a chance at the first team although some such as Suso, Tiago Ilori, Luis Alberto and João Carlos Teixeira may feel they have not been given a fair crack at the first team.
