“He’s a rare talent”
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has praised Liverpool defender Joe Gomez for his versatility after his impressive display at right-back against Watford.
Reds first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold was on the bench against the Hornets and remained an unused substitute throughout the game.
With some big games coming up, Jurgen Klopp decided not to use their chief creator and gave Gomez a chance to impress.
The 24-year-old put in an excellent performance assisting Diogo Jota’s opener and was solid at the back.
Garth Crooks on Joe Gomez: “There are very few English defenders who can play anywhere in the back four but Gomez can do it. He’s a rare talent and quite brilliant in his day.” #awlive [bbc]
The England international hasn’t had it easy in the last year and a half as he has been plagued by injuries that have affected his form.
Crooks explained that Gomez’s distribution against Watford was impressive and that he now needs a number of games to fight for a place in the national team again.
Crooks wrote in his column for the BBC:
“Great to have Joe Gomez back in the Liverpool line-up. Injuries ruined his career but the way he sprayed those balls into Watford’s goal area for Diogo Jota to attack was just mesmerizing.
“Gomez needs a string of league games to get back into the form that made him a certainty for international selection. There are very few English defenders who can play anywhere in the back four, but Gomez can. He’s a rare talent and quite brilliant in his day.”
Joe Gomez’s impressive performance will allow Liverpool to turn around
Joe Gomez’s performance at right-back comes at the right time as Jurgen Klopp can count on him, especially with the number of games lined up in April.
Gomez’s preferred position is at centre-back. However, with Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip being the preferred duo and Ibrahima Konate doing well as a backup, the 24-year-old has struggled for game time.
Joe Gomez’ game by the numbers against Watford: 93 touches 9 going into the last period 8 duels won 4 tackles 4 crosses 3 air duels won 2x ball possession won 1 chance created 1 assist No Trent no problem. 💪
The right-back position is not as heavily occupied at Anfield. Neco Williams was loaned out in January so the Reds don’t have too many options in that position.
Alexander-Arnold’s creative abilities make him the preferred choice but Liverpool will need to rotate in the coming weeks as they play four games in 11 days.
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James Milner can also substitute at right-back but Gomez’s impressive display against Watford now makes him a clear back-up option.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-he-rare-talent-garth-crooks-heaps-praise-liverpool-star-win-watford?utm_source=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=sportskeeda “He’s a rare talent”