Liverpool star Joe Gomez highlighted the need to keep working on fitness amid limited appearances after his Manchester City start. The 27-year-old replaced Ibrahima Konate in the starting eleven after the Frenchman suffered an injury against Real Madrid last midweek.
Liverpool signed Gomez as a teenager under former manager Brendan Rodgers and he played a pivotal role under Jurgen Klopp. The England international is the only player still at the Merseyside club since before the Klopp era, showcasing his reliability.
The 27-year-old played a pivotal role for Klopp last season amid the severe injury crisis, playing in several different positions. Gomez played as a right-back, centre-back, left-back and defensive midfielder last season to fulfil the tactical requirement of his manager.
I dont think people realize how hard it is to do what Joe Gomez has just done. This is absolutely unreal.
Hasnt played much. Who knows how fitness levels are in terms of match fitness due to not playing much.
Who knows how his confidence is. How mentally ready he is.
To come…
— George Chomakov (@chomakovg) December 1, 2024
The Englishman maintained his high level of consistency despite playing in several different positions, earning a return to international setup. However, Gomez has struggled to enjoy significant game time under the new head coach Arne Slot with teammates performing brilliantly.
Liverpool have won 18 out of 20 games in all competitions while conceding only 12 goals to display defensive dominance. Konate and captain Virgil van Dijk have played a pivotal role since the start of the season, showcasing impressive consistency.
Slot avoided the risk of ruining the rhythm of his starting players by over-using rotation despite the ruthless fixture congestion. However, the injury to Konate against Real has opened the door for the other players to step up and perform.
UPDATE:
Joe gomez has played cb 55 times for Liverpool
He's kept a clean sheet in 33 of them
We are blessed to have him at our club https://t.co/oBHirqutRy
— SHAUN (@VVSChaser4) December 1, 2024
Apart from Gomez, the Reds have youngster Jarell Quansah who has not enjoyed a positive start under Slot this season. Despite his immense talent, Quansah struggled with physicality and occasional lapses in concentration which the team currently cannot afford.
While Quansah’s time will eventually come, Liverpool need more strength in defence as Slot opted for Gomez against Man City. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live (via Liverpool Echo), Gomez highlighted the need to maintain fitness for the non-first team players. He said:
“I mean, obviously we know what it is like with a relentless schedule, you never want to see teammates get injured, Ibrahima Konate has been unbelievable. I understand what it means to be ready and to stay consistent throughout the season as it can change so quickly. I have enjoyed it and I have to keep on working.”
Joe Gomez vs Manchester City
Gomez made a few errors with misplaced passes against the Citizens after his long spell on the sideline. However, the defensive contribution he immediately made throughout the game was immense and fans are grateful for his selfless professionalism.
Joe Gomez ready to step up and do his job at Liverpool. (Credit: Sofascore)
The heatmap and Sofascore rating of Liverpool star Joe Gomez during the 2-0 victory over Manchester City (Credit: Sofascore)
According to Sofascore, Gomez made one clearance and blocked one shot while winning 100% ground and aerial duels against City. The 27-year-old earned one foul while in possession of the ball, rectifying his few mistakes quickly with an increase in confidence.
Gomez enjoyed 79 touches with 88% passing accuracy and delivered four accurate long balls from the backline. The England international admitted that he suffered from nervousness due to the importance of the match and his match fitness. He said:
“I would be lying if there wasn’t (any nerves). When we missed a few big chances and it was 1-0 it can change so quickly. The players they bring on from the bench, they can change it at any moment – I was a bit worried. When we got that second one we were more relaxed.”
Joey G x Mrs Officer pic.twitter.com/lVC4yK5sOM
— MM (@LD7Burner) December 2, 2024
Liverpool will play Newcastle United next in the Premier League game during the midweek as the fixture congestion continues. The Reds need to maintain the winning consistency as the title race is far from over with Arsenal and Chelsea nine points behind them.
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Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League table but need to convert this start into major trophies. Gomez has a pivotal role to play for the Reds as one of the experienced players at the club.