Liverpool has won the Carabao Cup and is in contention for the top spot in the Premier League. Unlike Arsenal and Manchester City, they have suffered a series of injuries to regular members of the team, not just the mainstays, and are currently missing core players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Diogo Jota, and Alisson Becker.
At one point in the middle of the season, the team suffered a shortage of right backs, with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas leaving at the same time, but these holes were continually filled by 26-year-old defender Joe Gomez, who has also returned to the England national team.
When there were many injuries in the midfielders’ ranks, he was sometimes used at the bottom of the midfield in place of Japan midfielder Wataru Endo.
The anchor position is a new challenge to which he has adapted admirably, taking on a role similar to that of former England midfielder James Milner, who played in numerous positions until last season and was a valuable member of the team through the long season.
Jurgen Klopp, who is leaving Anfield at the end of the season, praised the player’s play this season, as he has been injury-free and has performed above expectations in every position. He praised the player for his growth by facing challenges and making them his own.
“I couldn’t be happier for Joey. Obviously, in our most successful years he was super important and played an incredible amount of games.”
“Some injuries happened and then he was in and out of the team – but he was always important to us.”
“I think this season is the most consistent he’s played, especially because of different positions.”
“The least games he’s played this season is at centre-back because we always needed him somewhere else – and he did exceptionally well.”
“And I think it (playing different positions) has helped his game massively.”
“But that’s what opportunity does to you – that you really grow with the challenges you face; and that’s what Joey really did.”
“He is in exceptional shape and long may it continue.”