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Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren was blown away by Joe Gomez’s mentality; tips him to become a top player

Liverpool's Joe Gomez during the press conference (Reuters)
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Gomez recently returned to full training following an ACL injury that kept him sidelined for over a year.

Liverpool's Joe Gomez in action with Arsenal's Aaron RamseyLiverpool’s Joe Gomez in action with Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsey

Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren has told the club’s official website that he was blown away by the mentality of his teammate Joe Gomez.

Gomez has been sidelined for over a year after an anterior cruciate ligament injury – which means he has yet to feature under manager Jürgen Klopp.

The defender recently returned to full training, and seems to have gained the admiration of Lovren for coming through such a lengthy period on the sidelines at such a young age.

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates after the game with Dejan LovrenLiverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates after the game with Dejan Lovren

Lovren told liverpoolfc.com: “I was looking at him every day throughout the year he couldn’t play. He showed so much strength – his mentality was blowing me away.

“He was always positive about everything. He was definitely disappointed but he never stopped believing. It was so good to see him back on the pitch.

“I remember when we played with him last year – the first three games he played, he was amazing. He had an amazing start. This guy is so strong, he’s just 19. He is unbelievable. He can be a top player.”

Liverpool's Joe Gomez and Jordan HendersonLiverpool’s Joe Gomez and Jordan Henderson

The last comment demonstrates that Gomez will provide some competition for places in the side when he is deemed fit enough for selection – though he might have a fight on his hands at the centre of defence – with Lovren and Joel Matip seemingly developing a solid partnership.

Gomez played at left-back in his first few games for the club, which demonstrates his versatility and probably increases his changes of getting some significant game time this season. No doubt plenty of people will be keeping a close eye on his progress whenever he returns to first team action.

Liverpool's Joe Gomez in action with West Ham's Manuel LanziniLiverpool’s Joe Gomez in action with West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini