Former Liverpool player Steve McManaman does not want Joe Gomez to leave the club
Former Liverpool player Steve McManaman shared his desire for Joe Gomez to stay at the club for a long time. Gomez has been a pivotal cog in Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s squad since his appointment in 2015.
The 26-year-old joined the Reds in 2015 and immediately earned a debut despite his young age. Gomez showed maturity and level-headedness beyond his teenage years, earning praise from the football pundits and fans.
However, serious and various injuries have plagued his Liverpool career, making it hard for Gomez to settle as a first-choice. Last season, Gomez received scrutiny for the poor form with belief that he cannot perform for a top club anymore.
Gomez has successfully shut his naysayers down this season, playing a critical role for the Reds and showing his versatility. The England international has played as a right-back, centre-back and left-back this season, putting in incredible shifts for his team.
McManaman told the Liverpool Echo that Gomez has a strong and down-to-earth character that goes unappreciated by the media. He said:
“I think he is a quiet lad, who has had terrible injuries in the past. Because he is not screaming out of magazines, doing photoshoots and being prolific on social media, he is underrated. The modern-day footballer seems to be everywhere. Joe goes about his business in the right way all the time and is an exceptional professional. He has played right-back, left-back and centre-back.”
Gomez has mostly served as an understudy to vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold, filling in at the right-back position when necessary. The 26-year-old has done a fantastic job in Trent’s absence or when Trent played in a midfield role.
The Englishman’s favourable position is at the centre-back and he has often built a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk. Currently, Gomez is fulfilling the role of left-back in the absence of injured Kostas Tsimikas and Andy Robertson.
McManaman emphasised his desire to see Gomez at Liverpool for a long time, worrying about potential exit in the future. He said:
“I wouldn’t like him to go anywhere else. If he wants to play every single game, that’s a problem. It is probably to his detriment that he can play three or four different positions as, when you do that, people start thinking you can do everything. I would be gutted if he left because people like Gomez are absolutely priceless to you at a football club.”
Gomez has shown no inclination towards leaving the club anytime soon and remains a key part of the squad. His peers hold him in high regard, and the Kopites adore him for his resilience and achievements despite facing adversities.
"It's really tough"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 26, 2023
Jurgen Klopp says he will be wrapping Joe Gomez 'in cotton wool' during their match with Burnley as he is the only option Liverpool have at left-back pic.twitter.com/m3nKyWB5jU
The Reds are targeting every trophy just like they did in the season before last season’s struggle with ageing players. Gomez remained a key part in Klopp’s “Liverpool 2.0” while no player can expect to be a sure starter.
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The Liverpool boss has multiple lineups to compensate for high number of fixtures that the Reds play every season. The situation allows more than sufficient gametime to every player in the senior team, which includes Gomez. Unless something drastically changes, we expect the 26-year-old to continue playing for Liverpool in his peak years.
