Joe throws a timely lifeline

THE football world scoffed when Jurgen Klopp hired a specialist throw-in coach at Anfield at the start of this season.

But Liverpool and England defender Joe Gomez claims every little detail counts in modern football – and it was one that helped get England over the line in Sunday’s Nations League win over Croatia at Wembley.

Except – whisper it quietly – the throw-in that led to Jesse Lingard’s equaliser might actually have been a foul. Gomez’s foot might just have been over the line when he launched his throw, which saw Harry Kane win the ball and Lingard stab it over the goalline.

But no matter, Greek referee Tasos Sidiropoulos missed it, and England rode their luck, as another weapon in their expanding armoury delivered.

Klopp hired Dane Thomas Gronnemark, who holds the world record for a throw-in at over 56 yards, to coach his players on how to trigger attacks from throw-ins.

Gomez works with Gronnemark and he is convinced it is paying off. He said: “I don’t think you can underestimate what set-pieces can do in a game. Some people might bat an eyelid and think that is pointless, but small details are massive.

“We had less than a week after we played on the weekend to get everything together and organised but Gareth and all the coaching staff are amazing to get us all to click together.

“It has been more about highlighting what a throw-in can do. Credit to all the coaching staff because they highlight not just that but all the set-pieces. It’s a massive part of the game.

“Croatia scored from a set-piece the other day against Spain. Here they pay so much attention to detail. Sometimes it changes games.

“It’s not something I want to use all the time, but if called upon and it’s the right moment then you can try and use it.

“I don’t want to build a reputation for just being able to take long throws.”

Gronnemark tweeted on Sunday: “Very proud of Joe’s throw-in.”

The 21-year-old admits he has benefited enormously from having Virgil van Dijk alongside him in the Reds defence since January, when the classy centre-back joined from Southampton.

Gomez said: “Virgil has been massive. He is a top player – he has proven that last season and this. I am in a great environment to learn.

“I’m still a young player, still learning. All I can do is try and soak up what’s around me.

“I have got great individuals, great people to learn from and aspire to be like as well as players.”