VERSATILE GOMEZ A GREAT FIT FOR GARETH

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JURGEN KLOPP is not interested in picking Gareth Southgate’s England squad for him – but he can’t see why Joe Gomez’s wouldn’t be in it.

The Liverpool boss hailed his versatile star for showing his worth to the Reds yet again, in a season in which he has played numerous roles.

Gomez, 26, has filled in at right-back, left-back, centre back and most recently midfield. And he’s done it all while being one of the stand-out performers in Liverpool’s push for four trophies.

Gomez has struggled with injuries in recent years and his last England appearance came against Wales in 2020.

He’s missed 46 games for the Reds since then and that includes a long spell out with a knee problem in 2020.

But Southgate (above) surely must be looking at the utility man for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month. Klopp said: “I am not standing here telling Gareth who he should pick but you can get one player and have four positions covered. Wonderful.”

Gomez (right) has featured for Southgate at Under-21 level too, so it is clear there is an appreciation from the England boss for his talent. But maybe not quite the love that there is around Liverpool.

Gomez’s long wait for his first Reds goal – after 210 games – has brought about cries of ‘shooooot’ every time he gets the ball near the box.

Klopp angrily castigated the fans for it in last week’s win over Southampton – but admitted he would let Gomez take a penalty to end the drought – with one condition.

“Would I let him take a penalty? Yes, but in the 89th minute! It’s just one of these stories, what a wonderful player he is and I am so happy he can show that again.”