Joe Gomez enjoyed a busy summer with a new contract and number change and is now ready to “fight for my place” at Liverpool where his best years await him.
Gomez has made five starts from his six appearances so far this season, with injuries to Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate opening the door for an early taste of the action.
That’s nearly half the starts he racked up for the entirety of last season (11) and he’s coming off a summer that saw his contract run through 2027 and a trade from No. 12 to No. 2.
At 25, there is still plenty of football left for Gomez, who has endured a torrid streak of injuries throughout his career, but is confident the best is yet to come.
“I’ve been here quite a while now, but in the grand scheme of things, I still feel like the best years are yet to come,” Gomez told LFC Magazine.
“I think I have the platform here with the manager and coaching staff around me and my teammates, to make sure the best years are ahead.
“Obviously it was a great year for the club last year and we are trying to build on that. this season started as a blank canvas and it’s good for everyone to start over.
“The gaffer stays here and I think the platform is definitely here to keep getting better.
“I definitely understand how blessed I am to be at this club for over seven years. And yes, the parade was another reminder of why it seemed like the wrong thing to do to walk away.”
Gomez’s playing time, or lack of it, sparked speculation about his future last season with Aston Villa, one of the teams reported to have taken an interest in him.
But it is clear that the club has faith in Gomez, which is reciprocated by the defender, who knows he will have opportunities during what is a relentless schedule before and after the World Cup.
Jurgen Klopp said after Gomez signed his contract that the 25-year-old has nothing to prove but there is a lot of fighting to take on the role alongside Virgil van Dijk at the back.
“It’s part of our responsibility to be ready and apply ourselves every day, to try to do our part for the team,” Gomez continued.
“Obviously that’s what training is for, to try to get to where you want to be and try to impress the coach.
“It’s going to be a season like no other with the World Cup on the horizon, so we have to be ready. It probably puts more stress on children’s bodies, so we just have to be ready to intervene when we can.
“We know the Premier League is probably the best in the world and I think everyone is really looking forward to playing in it.
“I want to fight for my place and be the best I can be. Essentially, that’s what this year is about for me.”
