Joe Gomez is consistently linked with a move away from Liverpool.
The Reds finally got a win under their belts after a 2-0 victory away to West Ham, with Arne Slot’s changes paying dividends.
One of those that he made was to bring Gomez into the starting XI at right-back, with the Englishman doing an excellent job despite not playing much football at all.
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Who was your man of the match during Liverpool’s 2-0 win over West Ham?
Alexander Isak shakes hands with Arne Slot after being substituted during Liverpool's Premier League match against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
The balance of the team was much better and the clean sheet proved just that, suggesting he could get more chances in the upcoming games.
However, not only has he proven that he still has plenty to give, but he has also shown off the pitch why he must be kept around, even if an offer does arrive as early as January.
Joe Gomez explains his role off the pitch at Liverpool
Joe Gomez of Liverpool during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Liverpool at London Stadium
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Gomez is Liverpool’s longest-serving player after being at the club for over a decade, meaning that he is one of the older heads of the group.
He is still only 28 too, meaning that if he stays fit, he could still have a very fruitful Anfield career ahead, especially as ability has never been his issue.
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However, he has also shown the man he has developed into and how he is a real leader, with the Englishman showing how vital he is to the squad when discussing what his role has been while out of the side.
“I just try to keep a positive energy and try to influence the boys in the right way,” he said on LFCTV after the West Ham game.
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“I need to set an example on the training pitch, be positive, just keeping the mood and the overall balance.
“Speaking to the younger lads saying ‘just keep going.’ Sometimes it can just be a small, positive comment that can lift them and keep them in a good place.
“Just so they know I’m here for them, all of us are here for them, we are all supporting each other, we are in this together.
“We are a squad and these moments are things we get through to make us stronger and build resilience. We all do what we can.”
Joe Gomez must start Liverpool’s next game
Liverpool’s defence has been really poor at the start of the season, with there being far too many goals conceded.
However, against West Ham, even if they were very poor themselves, it all looked a lot tighter, and Gomez was a big reason for this.
He got forward down the right when needed, but also maintained a good awareness to ensure he was in the right position defensively, which is why there was no threat down that side.
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Against Sunderland, he simply has to start again with the backline likely to remain unchanged, and Gomez could just prove again why he should be starting in this team more often than not.
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