Liverpool defender Gomez is desperate to make up for lost time
Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez is eager to make up for lost time but will be patient in his efforts to win back his regular starting berth this season.
The England international formed a formidable partnership with Virgil Van Dijk during the 2019-20 campaign when the Reds stormed to the Premier League title before a tendon injury to his left knee inNovemberruledhimoutfor eight months.
Fully fit again now, exCharlton defender Gomez completed his second 90 minutes of the season in Tuesday’s 3-0winatNorwichintheCarabao Cup third round after he also started the recent Champions League victory over AC Milan.
WhileVanDijkiscurrently partnered by Joel Matip in the league, the 24-year-old insisted he will be equipped if boss
Jurgen Klopp does gives him the nod in the top flight soon.
Gomez said: “I know I’m at a top team, with unbelievable players around me and part of that is just trying to play your part to push them. Aside from that, it’s just patience.
“I’m enjoying being part of itandbeingfit.I’matagreatfacilitywithgreatpeople,agreat club. I’ve got to enjoy that and justbereadyforwhenthetime comes.”
Klopp’sfaithinthe£3.5million ace was demonstrated at Carrow Road where Gomez captained Liverpool for the first time, beating the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and Divock Origi to the honour.
Injuries have at times blighted his six years at Anfield but this latest milestone occurred during an assured display against Norwich where he crucially deflected over Adam Idah’s effort at the end of the first half after the hosts had missed a penalty with the score only 1-0.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but to come away with a clean sheet and be as clinical as we were was really positive,” Gomez added.
“It was a massive honour (to be captain). Obviously after the period I’ve had, the different injuries and coming back, I’m relishing every minute and on top of that, to beabletocaptainthesidewas unbelievable. I really enjoyed it.”
TakumiMinamino’sbrace sent Liverpool through to the fourth round with Origi also on target. It could have been different had Christos Tzolis scored his 42nd-minute penalty but Caoimhin Kelleher saved with his legs.