Topic: European and World Champion and all round Big Man Joseph Dave Gomez

[Klippity Klopp]

Does Klopp only see Gomez as a centre back?

Can't recall him playing full back since Klopp joined LFC.

Maybe his injury meant he wasn't able to play full back anymore with the extra twisting and turning you have to do in that position?

It appears he'll start the season, 4th choice CB (at best).  I know he'd probably get games in League Cup etc.

However I just think it is a shame that he isn't considered at full back as he looked so promising in that position when used.  He was mainly LB, but even when played at RB he looks very good all round - defensively and going forwards.

With his extra height, it could as help against the tall sides like West Brom, having the option of Gomez at RB or LB, which in effect is another CB in the team to help deal with the set plays.

Just wonder what everyone elses thoughts are on Gomez?  I still have really high hopes for him.

[Schmidt]

Does Klopp only see Gomez as a centre back?

Can't recall him playing full back since Klopp joined LFC.

Maybe his injury meant he wasn't able to play full back anymore with the extra twisting and turning you have to do in that position?

It appears he'll start the season, 4th choice CB (at best).  I know he'd probably get games in League Cup etc.

However I just think it is a shame that he isn't considered at full back as he looked so promising in that position when used.  He was mainly LB, but even when played at RB he looks very good all round - defensively and going forwards.

With his extra height, it could as help against the tall sides like West Brom, having the option of Gomez at RB or LB, which in effect is another CB in the team to help deal with the set plays.

Just wonder what everyone elses thoughts are on Gomez?  I still have really high hopes for him.

I doubt we'll see him at full back again, Klopp likes attackers in those positions and as solid as he was at left back his attacking was nonexistent. I can see him taking over from Lucas or Klavan when one of them depart, but there's no rush after his long-term injury I'd imagine.

[Klippity Klopp]

I doubt we'll see him at full back again, Klopp likes attackers in those positions and as solid as he was at left back his attacking was nonexistent. I can see him taking over from Lucas or Klavan when one of them depart, but there's no rush after his long-term injury I'd imagine.

I suspect you are right with regards to full back.

I disagree that his attacking was nonexistent though.  Actually I thought it was quite promising.

[LFC_1981]

Can't wait to see more of this lad next season.

[Aceldama]

Joe Gomez to stay at Liverpool after being given assurances over game time: http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/10917702/joe-gomez-to-stay-at-liverpool-next-season

And he pulled out of the England U21 squad in an effort to focus on rebuilding his fitness: https://www.thisisanfield.com/2017/06/joe-gomez-opted-england-u21-duty-summers-european-championship/

[Cpt_Reina]

Madness to keep him here.

He's missed two seasons of critical footballing development, he needs like 30+ starts next season to get back on track and he won't get anywhere near that number here. Possibly not even half that.

[heylookitsjacob]

Madness to keep him here.

Absolute madness!!!!

[Garnier]

Madness to keep him here.

He's missed two seasons of critical footballing development...

yeah, his development would be one step beyond if it wasn't for the injuries

[J-Mc-]

Madness to keep him here.

He's missed two seasons of critical footballing development, he needs like 30+ starts next season to get back on track and he won't get anywhere near that number here. Possibly not even half that.

4 competitions next season, he'll get plenty of chances mate.

Reckon he'll be a main stay in the team in Domestic cup runs, would much rather him be here and play into Klopps philosophy than somewhere in the Championship playing route one football that simply won't transfer to how we're going to play.

[Suareznumber7]

Madness to keep him here.

He's missed two seasons of critical footballing development, he needs like 30+ starts next season to get back on track and he won't get anywhere near that number here. Possibly not even half that.

I agree.  Would love to see him loaned out to a team like Huddersfield so he can get those starts and the playing time that he needs.  I can't imagine he'll be seeing much time other then in cups unless we have a massive injury crisis. 

[Gonza]

4 competitions next season, he'll get plenty of chances mate.

Reckon he'll be a main stay in the team in Domestic cup runs, would much rather him be here and play into Klopps philosophy than somewhere in the Championship playing route one football that simply won't transfer to how we're going to play.

On top of that he'll be kept fit through the u23s whilst waiting for an opportunity if and when it arises in the League. He is pretty much back up to Matip on the right centre back. Still only 20 so plenty of years ahead of him for a cb.

[DanA]

I wouldn't mind Gomez getting the pre-season to try and beat out Klavan for 4th choice. If he can then I'd trade Klavan and keep Gomez, otherwise, yeah loan him but I don't think it's a decision to be made in June.

[Chalky Boots]

Madness to keep him here.

He's missed two seasons of critical footballing development, he needs like 30+ starts next season to get back on track and he won't get anywhere near that number here. Possibly not even half that.

Yeah, needs regular top games to kick on now. Only hope I have is Klopp has a change of heart or he makes himself first choice through sheer performance during pre-season.

[leiva-pool]

If we're signing another centre back he needs to go out on loan and get a proper season behind him. Other option is to keep him as back up full back if we dont sign anyone else.

[Black Bull Nova]

Absolute madness!!!!

yeah, his development would be one step beyond if it wasn't for the injuries

It would be an embarrassment

[McrRed]

It would be an embarrassment

He's done too much, much too young...

[fredfrop]

He's so special.

[Lycan]

Thoughts on Klopp perhaps using this lad as an alternative left back should he prove his fitness?

Could save us a fair bit of money.

[heylookitsjacob]

Thoughts on Klopp perhaps using this lad as an alternative left back should he prove his fitness?

Could save us a fair bit of money.

I think the traditional argument is that Gomez doesn't have the right play style for a left back under Klopp. But I'm just not sure how persuasive this argument really is; it really depends on our transfer business. If we end up with Milner as our starting left back, I could totally see Gomez being tried at left back. I would imagine that they probably play that position fairly similarly. If Klopp wants to go more attacking like us fans have always thought he would with the "right" personnel, then I'm sure Gomez won't get a look in that position.

[Frank Becton]

It's definitely worth trying him at left back in the pre-season games.

[rowan_d]

Milner has proven over the years that he has the stamina to get up and down all game, even if he's blowing out of his arse after half an hour

Not sure Gomez does, he may do though. Would be delighted if he can find a place in the squad where he can get enough minutes to develop, he and Ings have had absolutely rotten luck with injuries.

[Lycan]

I think the traditional argument is that Gomez doesn't have the right play style for a left back under Klopp. But I'm just not sure how persuasive this argument really is; it really depends on our transfer business. If we end up with Milner as our starting left back, I could totally see Gomez being tried at left back. I would imagine that they probably play that position fairly similarly. If Klopp wants to go more attacking like us fans have always thought he would with the "right" personnel, then I'm sure Gomez won't get a look in that position.

It's been that long since Joe Gomez played I've kind of forgotten what his main attributes are. I know he had pace to burn and I know he was pretty strong. I also know he played right back for Charlton for a good while. So perhaps he can be converted into a Jurgen Klopp type left back. I suppose it depends on how much his injuries have taken out of him. And whether or not Jurgen thinks it's a good idea to try him out there.

[Chalky Boots]

Thoughts on Klopp perhaps using this lad as an alternative left back should he prove his fitness?

Could save us a fair bit of money.

Doubt it. He could probably do it again but I think the best thing, if not a loan, is for Joe to take Klavan's place after pre-season. The dreamland scenario is of course Joe looks an absolute monster during pre-season and goes in as first choice mind.

[Klippity Klopp]

Does Klopp only see Gomez as a centre back?

Can't recall him playing full back since Klopp joined LFC.

Maybe his injury meant he wasn't able to play full back anymore with the extra twisting and turning you have to do in that position?

It appears he'll start the season, 4th choice CB (at best).  I know he'd probably get games in League Cup etc.

However I just think it is a shame that he isn't considered at full back as he looked so promising in that position when used.  He was mainly LB, but even when played at RB he looks very good all round - defensively and going forwards.

With his extra height, it could as help against the tall sides like West Brom, having the option of Gomez at RB or LB, which in effect is another CB in the team to help deal with the set plays.

Just wonder what everyone elses thoughts are on Gomez?  I still have really high hopes for him.

Glad Klopp has tried him at full back now and I think he's doing very well in that position.

Certainly a different option, given his extra height.

Promising signs.

[jillcwhomever]

He did a fine job today I thought, looking forward to seeing more of him.

[Redman78]

Has a real chance of starting the season for us at rb

[Escorcio]

Did well
Probably more solid defensively than Trent but not sure he offers as much going forward. Often seemed to just come back inside and play a pass rather than troubling the fullback / putting in a dangerous cross

[Dim Glas]

Has a real chance of starting the season for us at rb

for sure.

Kloppo's comments after todays game are very positive about him too:

"Last night I had another talk with him. When I came in, I saw him for 20 minutes playing in the U21 and then I saw the injury and I thought, 'Oh my God'. Everybody told me what a wonderful player he is, what a great talent and all that stuff. When he came back, he was injured, when he came back he was heavy - a lot of muscles where you don't need muscles if you don't want to go to the beach or whatever. We had to work on this and now he's back. He lost weight, he's really fit, he looks sharp, that's right. [There are] still things to improve - [his] heading was really good today but he can improve, he needs to be a little bit more aggressive. In the full-back position he is unbelievably important for us now because Clyne had no pre-season so far; Trent is a fantastic player but also just 18 and offensively he is probably ready but in defence he needs to improve a lot. We need these different options and it's good to have him back."

[wemmick]

for sure.

Kloppo's comments after todays game are very positive about him too:

"Last night I had another talk with him. When I came in, I saw him for 20 minutes playing in the U21 and then I saw the injury and I thought, 'Oh my God'. Everybody told me what a wonderful player he is, what a great talent and all that stuff. When he came back, he was injured, when he came back he was heavy - a lot of muscles where you don't need muscles if you don't want to go to the beach or whatever. We had to work on this and now he's back. He lost weight, he's really fit, he looks sharp, that's right. [There are] still things to improve - [his] heading was really good today but he can improve, he needs to be a little bit more aggressive. In the full-back position he is unbelievably important for us now because Clyne had no pre-season so far; Trent is a fantastic player but also just 18 and offensively he is probably ready but in defence he needs to improve a lot. We need these different options and it's good to have him back."

Good for Gomez! Interesting comments from Klopp about reshaping Gomez's body. Looks really fit right now. 

[jillcwhomever]

He has worked really hard and I'm happy that things are going in the right direction now. It's all about options this season, and lot's of them.

[asim173]

for sure.

Kloppo's comments after todays game are very positive about him too:

"Last night I had another talk with him. When I came in, I saw him for 20 minutes playing in the U21 and then I saw the injury and I thought, 'Oh my God'. Everybody told me what a wonderful player he is, what a great talent and all that stuff. When he came back, he was injured, when he came back he was heavy - a lot of muscles where you don't need muscles if you don't want to go to the beach or whatever. We had to work on this and now he's back. He lost weight, he's really fit, he looks sharp, that's right. [There are] still things to improve - [his] heading was really good today but he can improve, he needs to be a little bit more aggressive. In the full-back position he is unbelievably important for us now because Clyne had no pre-season so far; Trent is a fantastic player but also just 18 and offensively he is probably ready but in defence he needs to improve a lot. We need these different options and it's good to have him back."

Positive words from the boss. Is definitely a solid option at RB - anyone remember the game against Arsenal 2 seasons ago? Was absolutely boss that game.

[ggcc14]

Joe Gomez is an absolute head!

I didn't really think much of his performance today but seem's everybody else did so  just nice to see him fit and playing in a red shirt again, good option across the back four this season.

[Bread]

Positive words from the boss. Is definitely a solid option at RB - anyone remember the game against Arsenal 2 seasons ago? Was absolutely boss that game.

I remember it, people were terrified that Walcott was gonna roast him for days. Gomez shut him down for pretty much the entire game.

[Ratboy3G]

yeah, his development would be one step beyond if it wasn't for the injuries

Get him on the first night boat to Cairo

[MrRaptorTurtle]

Mad to think kloppo told him to lose weight, usually for a CB you'd expect the boss to tell them to bulk up a little bit, unless the gaffa prefers him as a fullback

[Aceldama]

Mad to think kloppo told him to lose weight, usually for a CB you'd expect the boss to tell them to bulk up a little bit, unless the gaffa prefers him as a fullback

Look at the picture above, he's still way hencher than Solanke after losing the weight. Klopp must have thought he was at the point where the bulk was effecting his acceleration and stamina which is no good in any position.

Klopp said it himself: "you only need muscles like that if you're only going to the beach".

[MrRaptorTurtle]

Look at the picture above, he's still way hencher than Solanke after losing the weight. Klopp must have thought he was at the point where the bulk was effecting his acceleration and stamina which is no good in any position.

Fair enough, still think it's better to be henchier as a CB than a ST though but clearly Klopp has something on his mind!

[Redcap]

He looks ridiculously classy on the ball. Agger level good. Would like to see him start a pre-season game at CB and get some real minutes there against some good teams.

Not terribly excited about the prospect about him playing RB. He'd do a decent job there if we're set up to defend, but he doesn't look confident when further up the pitch and provided with the opportunity to dribble or cross at all.

[Chalky Boots]

Mad to think kloppo told him to lose weight, usually for a CB you'd expect the boss to tell them to bulk up a little bit, unless the gaffa prefers him as a fullback

look at all the top CB's out there, they're all extremely well built but none are huge. Making yourself bigger makes you turn slower and means you become incredibly easy to beat. Micah Richards was criticised  for the not losing the muscle I think and was prone to big injuries and it made him incredibly easy to beat in 1v1's for an good winger. Also see Martin Kelly post cruciate as well, only Brendan didn't tell him to cut the bulk.

Fair play to klopp for the call it should help Joe massively in the long run.

[Yiannis]

He looks ridiculously classy on the ball. Agger level good. Would like to see him start a pre-season game at CB and get some real minutes there against some good teams.

Not terribly excited about the prospect about him playing RB. He'd do a decent job there if we're set up to defend, but he doesn't look confident when further up the pitch and provided with the opportunity to dribble or cross at all.

I get the part about his attacking game and incredibly small sample and all but whenever I've seen him play, he's looked more solid as a FB rather than CB. Not saying he can't/won't play as a CB but strikes me as a player that if you want to use as a CB he would flourish more in a back 3 (as one of the wide CBs) rather than in a back 2.