Joe Gomez has come in for praise from Arne Slot after Liverpool’s 5-2 win at home to West Ham, being hailed for several different reasons.
The 28-year-old made his first start since January on Saturday afternoon, producing a strong performance from right-back.
Gomez even had a shot on target in the first half, as he looks to finally end his 262-game Liverpool goalscoring drought.
Speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the game, Slot had nothing but positive words when it came to the defender, sharing his happiness for him.
“Yeah definitely, because of how professional he is, but even more because of the person he is,” Slot said, when asked if the defender deserves ‘good news’.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, February 28, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He works so hard to be fit and stay fit, and every time he has a setback, it is so disappointing for him and also for us.
“Because we know what he does to stay fit or to be fit.
“Again, today, he had a good performance – we could have scored four from set-pieces because his long throw-in made a big chance for Cody Gakpo.
“Playing with a right full-back that can also play as a centre-back does mean you have three aerial threats and that helps you in – for the 500th time! – set-pieces.”
Is Joe Gomez one of Liverpool’s great unsung players?
SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - Wednesday, February 11, 2026: Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the FA Premier League match between Sunderland AFC and Liverpool FC at the Stadium of Light. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Gomez is now approaching 11 years at Liverpool, having joined from Charlton as a highly-rated 18-year-old in 2015, and he has been a fantastic servant.
Serious injuries have dogged him, but he has displayed admirable mental resolve to overcome them, also proving to be a likeable and down-to-earth figure.
Gomez’s versatility has been a handy weapon, as he showed by performing well at right-back against West Ham, and he will be a key figure between now and May.
If this does prove to be his final season at Liverpool, he will depart as a hugely popular figure – one who never made the headlines but who always displayed a great team ethic.
Gomez’s current deal expires in the summer of 2027, so leaving at the end of this season would allow the Reds cash in and give him the chance to be a regular starter elsewhere.
Supporters won’t be unhappy to see him see out his contract, though, and he still doesn’t turn 30 until next year.