Big Joe Gomez is a Big Ol’ Softy

A defining marker of this current squad is that it is, down to its core, a rather likable group of footballers. From the top rated #Brates in Mohamed Salah and Dejan Lovren, the incredible humor of James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum’s winning smile, and the national treasure that is Alberto Moreno, it is a truly lovable group of men going about their business. Coincidentally, that business is, at present, being one of the best football teams in the world which is what makes all of this more exciting.

To add to that mix of heart-swelling stories is this feel-good piece delivered from the official site: it appears that emerging defensive starlet, Joe Gomez, has been sending supportive and congratulatory text messages to former Red, Danny Ings. It appears that Ings - himself a fan favorite whose indomitable personality made him easy to love - had been one of the big support to Gomez when the young defender underwent a difficult injury that ended his promising campaign last season. Ings’ gave Gomez a lot of encouragement during this time, leaning on his own experience coming back from a tough injury. In fact, the pair apparently first bonded over their long recoveries from injury back in 2015.

Gomez credits that encouragement as being crucial to his rehabilitation and he counts Ings among his closest friends. The center back had nothing but glowing things to say about Danny Ings:

“He is showing that this season, he’s scored three goals now and everyone here is buzzing for him. Especially me; I am just happy to see him playing and enjoying his football, because that is what he deserves.

“He worked so hard to get back into this position to be playing football week in, week out. Like me, I am sure that’s something he’ll be appreciative of and hopefully it continues.”

For his part, Danny Ings has made the most of his loan at Southampton, notching 3 goals in 4 appearances and looking every bit the bright attacking forward he was when he was brought on. The terms of his loan - one that would see him move permanently to Southampton next season - mean that he would be unavailable for selection this weekend. A fact that is welcome by Reds fans as well as by Gomez.

“Danny is a great player, a great guy and a massive threat. They have other threats up front and throughout the whole team, so it’s not to say that because Ingsy isn’t playing it’ll make it an easier game, but obviously having trained with him for so many years and knowing what he is capable of, I know he’s a top player.

The amount of love shared between these two is a small example of the seeming positivity and togetherness within the club as a whole. In fact, almost as much as the on-field presence of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool can be exemplified by extreme pressing and quick, incisive attacking movements, their off-field identity is very much rooted in that deep sense of camaraderie.

Great attacking football and wonderful personalities sounds like a winning combination. At the very least, it makes rooting for this team an absolute delight.