Joe Gomez frustrated by reduced Liverpool role but vows to fight for place

David Lynch26 September 2019

Joe Gomez has revealed his frustration during a start to the season which has seen his opportunities limited at Liverpool.

Since returning from a broken leg sustained at Burnley last December, the defender has struggled to dislodge Joel Matip as Jurgen Klopp’s preferred partner to Virgil van Dijk.

But, speaking after making a rare start in a Carabao Cup win over MK Dons on Wednesday, Gomez isn’t allowing his head to drop and is ready for when an opportunity next arises.

Asked if his time on the bench this term had been hard to take, Gomez replied: “Yes, definitely. Obviously I have not been playing and obviously every footballer wants to be playing.

“At the same time I understand that we are the European champions and the lads are doing very well at the minute so all I can do is keep my head down, keep working hard in training and keep waiting for the right time.

“Until then, I have to keep working hard. You cannot sit there and be down. You have to stay positive and do yourself justice when the time comes.

“You need to show the good attitude otherwise you will do yourself harm.”

Gomez was, though, full of praise for the men who are keeping him out of the team.

And the former Charlton Athletic man is keen to take lessons from both Matip and Van Dijk as he plots a route back into Klopp’s plans.

In Pictures | MK Dons vs Liverpool | 25/09/19

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He added: “Credit to them, they are doing unbelievably well - as well as the whole team - and as I say, I understand.

“Obviously it is frustrating for me at the same time because I want to be playing but it is what it is. I have to keep working hard.

“We have a great set of lads to learn from - Virgil [van Dijk] as well, who I learn from every day.”

Still aged just 22, Gomez was virtually a senior member of the much-changed team named by Klopp ahead of a 2-0 win at Stadium MK last night.

The defender was suitably impressed by the contributions of his younger teammates, particularly 16-year-old summer signing Harvey Elliott.

He continued: “To be 16 is unbelievable. It is weird for me as I was always the young one and it seems a world away.

“I was 17 when I made by debut for Charlton but he is a special player and refreshing to see such confidence. His ability is good and he did himself justice

“I have been here a little while and it is nice to be out with the boys who look so hungry and you can see that on the pitch and it is a breath of fresh air.”

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