Klopp Talk: Joe Gomez “Showing His Best Qualities On And Off The Pitch”

The 23 year old center back has been forced into a leadership
role, and has stepped up to the task according to Jurgen Klopp

After the Merseyside derby, Liverpool were left with a massive hole in their
defense, and a multitude of questions for how to fill it. Virgil
van Dijk, the best defender in the world, was out for at least the
majority, if not all, of the season, and Joel Matip was yet again
hobbled by a knock.

Joe Gomez was the only first team center back,
and he had been on a run of torrid form. Jurgen Klopp had no option
but to throw Gomez back out there and hope he could regain the
level of play that had lead to his lock-down defensive partnership
with van Dijk from the last two seasons.

Gomez has quietly stepped in and stepped up the level of his
play. Not only has the 23 year old been tasked with taking over the
role as the defensive leader and organizer, but he has had to do it
with three different players. Two of those players, Rhys Williams
and Nathaniel Phillips, earned their Liverpool debuts alongside
Gomez, making the task all the more impressive. The third player is
converted holding midfielder, Fabinho prior to his own injury.

“Joe in particular has had to step up in recent weeks and he has
grasped it in such an impressive manner,” said Liverpool’s manager,
Jurgen Klopp.

“Joe is young in years but has a wealth of experience. He knows
how important he is to us in general, but in this moment showing
his best qualities on and off the pitch is so valuable.”

Gomez has not only had to take on a leadership role, he has had
to change how he plays the game. Previously, he had been able to
let Virgil van Dijk play on the front foot, stepping up to attack
the ball while Gomez covered behind with his stellar speed to mop
up anything that leaked through. For now, Gomez has had to shift to
the left side of the defensive pairing, and is now tasked with
being more aggressive attacking the ball in the air. He is
averaging 7 aerial duels per 90 minutes in the league this season,
winning almost 4 (6.5 duels int he Champions
League, winning a stunning 6). He’s also involved with 4.5
clearances per 90 minutes, well up from his numbers in previous
seasons.

“I love that he sees what we need from him and that he relishes
this opportunity,” said Klopp. “Sacrificing for the team has never
been more critical and in Joe Gomez and all of our players we have
men who embrace it and inspire us all with their approach.”