Trent Alexander-Arnold has told Liverpool’s website that Joe Gomez was “amazing” on Saturday afternoon against Norwich. The right-back has paid tribute to Gomez, stating he has “worked so, so hard” behind the scenes.
Gomez, 24, was handed his first Premier League start in 15 months against the Canaries and lasted the entire match as Liverpool came from behind to beat Norwich 3-1. Gomez played in place of Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
Of course, the ex-Charlton man is best-suited to playing in the middle of the defence but his versatility allows him to play anywhere across the back line. It was only Gomez’s fifth start during the 2021-22 campaign.
He has fallen down the pecking order since his long-term knee injury, with Jurgen Klopp preferring the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joel Matip. But Alexander-Arnold was full of praise for England ace Gomez.
“He’s an amazing lad. He’s someone who has worked so, so hard. He always has, I think that’s just in his nature; in the gym, on the pitch, always giving 100 per cent,” Alexander-Arnold said, in an interview with the club’s site.
“He’s waited a long time for that moment again, to be able to start a Premier League game. He put in an amazing performance and showed that he is a top-quality player.”
Alexander-Arnold on Gomez: Does he have a future at Liverpool?
Back in 2019-20 and the start of 2020-21, Gomez had established himself as first choice alongside van Dijk. He was one of the first names on the team sheet. But he now finds himself getting the odd game here and there.
Of course, Gomez has suffered two long-term injuries in his short career – limiting him to just 134 games in the seven years he has spent at Anfield. The Athletic report Aston Villa and Newcastle are interested in him.
If Gomez is to re-establish himself as one of the Premier League’s best defenders and an England regular ahead of the World Cup – he probably does need to leave Liverpool in the summer. Time will tell.
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