It has been a long road to recovery for Joe Gomez but the defender has been using his time wisely by taking note of everything he has seen during his time away from the action.
The 19-year-old is part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans and has been going the right way about ensuring he is able to rediscover his form and prove his quality to his manager as quickly as possible.
Gomez had outlined the one positive that he has been able to take away from his lengthy injury layoff.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “That was one positive from the injury – I watched a lot of games. I watched every game in the stand, so you get to gauge how the team plays.”
“And obviously there is the analysis team you can get clips from. It doesn’t replicate actually getting instructions from the manager but it was a start, and that’s something I still need to work on because it’s important to know how the team plays, tactically.”
“I’ve still got learning to do. But I learned quite a bit watching football for a year; it does help, because you take more time to look at small details. You take it for granted. When you’re injured, it means more.”
“I did learn quite a lot off the pitch. But I’ve still got some learning to do, tactically, to understand the full tactics of the team. I’m taking the time to do that now.”
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The former Charlton man’s ability to watch on from the stands and see where he can improve this team bodes well in terms of him helping to strengthen the side defensively.
Liverpool’s defence has again been called into question at times this season but Joel Matip poses as an ideal example of someone Gomez can learn a lot from.
Gomez proved in the early stages of his Anfield career that he was on his way towards becoming an accomplished player, showcasing glimpses of the composure, intelligence and athleticism that has seen Matip become a key member of the back four.
There is a place for Gomez in Klopp’s starting lineup. If he builds on the talent he already possesses then there is no reason why he can’t be in the first eleven by next season.