The Context
Liverpool’s somewhat intriguing transfer window continues with the likely signing of Charlton youngster, Joe Gomez. The fee being touted is £3.5m with the usual add-ons that come with a young talent. Even with the exotic name fans are sceptical about the possible arrival of the 18 year old. This is not necessarily anything to do with ability, nor the fact that he’s coming from a lower league; this is just a typical Liverpool transfer. Just a small microcosm of the Liverpool transfer policy of the last 10 years that has affectively shoved us in to mid-table mediocrity. In any other circumstance I’d be joyous that we’re signing some of the country’s top talent but, to be quite frank, Liverpool’s handling of young players is awful. In just the last year you can list Ilori, Alberto, Manquillo and Suso who have been criminally mismanaged, and even to some extent Emre Can with his stint at right back last season. If signed it would be a huge challenge for the centre back to succeed in an area where we already have a backlog of players. Especially with Wisdom signing a new contract who I would have expected to be leaving this Summer after two years away from the club. One may even say he has to show great character.
The Player
Never-the-less, we need to support all of our players. So, here’s a little bit about him.
Quite impressively, he made his debut for Charlton U18s at the tender age of 13 which lead to a number of clubs tracking his progress. Apparently, contrary to some reports we have been tracking his development since the age of 14 which indicates he must have a high level of ability for the club to maintain interest for so long. Yet again, our staff thought Vorinin had ability so this remains to be seen. Interest from other clubs includes both Manchester clubs, Arsenal and even Dortmund. Evidently Gomez is highly sought after.
This is after his breakthrough season during which he started 18 times, at both right back and centre back and we all know that Brendan loves a versatile player. The player himself is predominantly a centre back, which of course means nothing to our coaches, for all we know he’s probably a potential Sterling replacement. For such a young player he’s very well disciplined only picking up two yellow cards all season in league known for its physicality, even more so with one of his strengths being tough in the tackle. This coupled with his aerial ability and physical presence shows he can actually defend which in essence sounds ridiculous, but in the modern game many defenders now are chosen on technical ability. Speaking of technicality, this may be an area he has to improve on with only a 69% passing accuracy. And Brendan loves the passing. However, he’s far from the finished product with many attributes to be gained that will come with experience. In his short career he’s already had success after winning the 2014 European Championships with England U17s.
The verdict
Based on ability, the signing of Joe Gomez would be one I would be very happy in, as I mentioned before. But the likelihood of Gomez suffering the same harsh fate of Ilori, who has yet to be given a proper opportunity just inclines me to believe that this is utterly pointless. Of course we must invest in the future, but with this being our approach then what’s the point? Around £5m invested to throw another youngster on to the scrapheap. I would love to be proven wrong, but the likelihood is that he’ll return to Charlton on loan, then the following season go on loan again until we find a buyer. If I was Gomez, I would not want to come to Liverpool after seeing the demise of other young talents anyways. Sad times.
Feel free to share your thoughts below.
By @LewisBower_