Liverpool star Joe Gomez delivered a strong performance against West Ham United as the deputy to captain Virgil van Dijk. The Reds beat West Ham United 5-1 at Anfield in the third round of the Carabao Cup competition on Wednesday.
Gomez’s statement performance could make head coach Arne Slot and Liverpool hierarchy think twice about their stance on the defender. Liverpool made the Englishman available for the right offer during the summer despite his important contributions during the last season.
Gomez played as a left-back, right-back, centre-back and defensive midfielder in legendary manager Jurgen Klopp’s last season at the club. The 27-year-old maintained his consistency in delivering performances despite playing in multiple positions as Liverpool struggled with an injury crisis.
According to the Athletic, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes agreed to sell the Englishman for £45 million to Newcastle United. The Gomez deal depended on Anthony Gordon’s acquisition from Newcastle to help their situation with the Profit and Sustainability rule.
However, Newcastle sold other players to solve their PSR problem, ending the negotiations between the two clubs in the summer. However, the uncertainty around Gomez has persisted since this report and has divided the fanbase after his contributions last season.
The 27-year-old is currently the longest-serving active Liverpool player in the squad, having joined the club in the 2015 summer. Gomez played a crucial role for Liverpool in Klopp’s successful era, going from a mediocre squad to a dominating one.
According to Sofascore, the 27-year-old made two clearances, one blocked shot, two interceptions and one tackle against West Ham. Gomez won three out of five aerial duels, enjoying 88% passing accuracy from 103 passes, involving three out of seven longballs.
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The England international is earning £85,000 per week through his current contract that runs until the summer of 2027. Gomez deserves more recognition for his selfless contribution and has a role to play for Liverpool as each season becomes more strenuous with numerous fixtures. The 27-year-old has a minimum of half a decade left in his peak years.