Joe Gomez Hailed by Liverpool Legend Sami Hyypia

A strong start to the season raised the profile of Joe Gomez the central defender. Having spent time job sharing with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right back, Gomez began the current season partnering Virgil Van Dijk at centre-half and the results for Liverpool in the 13 league matches when Gomez started are more than good. Only 4 goals conceded. Honorable mentions for Alisson and Van Dijk, of course.

But a broken leg back in December forced the England defender out of action and there’s only hope now that Gomez can recover his match fitness with enough time to make a real difference for Jürgen Klopp’s side during the run-in.

Gomez is expected back to full health after the international break, along with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and who is it but defending legend Sami Hyypia who steps out with the kudos for young Joe ahead the young player’s return.

“Joe Gomez can be the leading centre-back in England for a long time. He is still young and he can still learn. With experience he will learn, but he has everything,” said Hyypia.

“I know Virgil van Dijk is not the oldest guy, but Gomez is like a young Virgil.

“He has the same qualities—he’s so quick and so strong in his challenges and he can play football as well.

“I’m not there for the whole time so I can’t comment on how good he is at communicating on the field, but if he keeps learning that side of things it will help his game, the guy next to him and the whole team.

“I just think he will be so good for Liverpool, but it is important that he stays fit to have that bright future ahead of him.”

Losing Gomez to injury curtailed Liverpool’s defensive solidity for a spell. Joël Matip has since risen to the occasion and put in some fine performances alongside Van Dijk. But Dejan Lovren remains out so Gomez returning to contention for a place in the XI will be a big boon for Klopp. Options will be key through the final stretch, especially if European adventures continue to await.