James Milner lauded Liverpool defender Joe Gomez for showing an ‘incredible’ performance against Newcastle
While speaking in an interview after the win against Newcastle United, as quoted by Liverpool’s official website, James Milner showed his admiration for the heading and crossing abilities of Liverpool defender Joe Gomez.
After returning from injury, Gomez hasn’t had many chances to showcase his talents. One primary reason for that is the arrival of Ibrahima Konaté in the team. Staying in the shadows of the newcomer, the Englishman has managed just 20 appearances across all competitions in this campaign.
Due to the lack of first-team minutes, it seems like some of his teammates have forgotten how good the defender can perform. Milner, for instance, has left it until recent months to realise how good the ex-Charlton Athletic defender is when crossing the ball.
Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory against Newcastle yesterday with the help of Naby Keita’s goal. Gomez, who played the entire 90 minutes, was incredible in defence despite being targeted down the right flank and put in some delicious balls.
Milner praised Gomez after the game and underlined what a complete defender he has become down that side. It is a testament to the 24-year-old’s performance that the Reds did not miss Trent Alexander-Arnold during the game- apart from when they had a free-kick that Jordan Henderson put in the stands.
“For Joey, for example, to come in this morning and perform like he did again was incredible. [He won] headers; they were loading his side and going forward. I’ve realised over the last few months what a good crosser of the ball he is! It’s pleasing.”
Gomez’s presence is a strong advantage for Liverpool.
A few seasons back, Joe Gomez used to be one of Liverpool’s first-choice defenders. However, in the last season, the Reds suffered a horrible injury crisis, following which Klopp brought in French colossus, Ibrahima Konate, from RB Leipzig.
Things have changed since then. Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip remain the first choice defenders while ‘Ibou’ often deputises in cup games.
Due to the intensity and length of the season, it is natural for players to suffer fitness concerns for a limited period. Gomez’s recent performance against Newcastle shows that the Englishman could be trusted with big tasks whenever required.
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Having such a hard-working player helps boost the team’s depth. However, it could get pretty challenging to keep him happy if he doesn’t get much action. Jurgen Klopp would be wise to give him chances to showcase his talents once in a while in order to keep him motivated.
But perhaps that can come next season. Right now, the Reds go into May chasing an unprecedented quadruple and would need to have their best XI fit and firing throughout the course of the month.
