2017 has emerged as a crucial year for Liverpool’s Joe Gomez as he looks to kick on after recovering from the knee injury that saw him sidelined for the whole of 2016.
It has been a torrid 16 months for the 19-year-old but he could make his long awaited first team comeback on Sunday with a host of youngsters expected to feature in Liverpool’s FA Cup third round tie against Plymouth Argyle at Anfield.
We are expecting big things from the defender this year having not forgotten just how talented he is.
The player himself has given a great insight into how hard he has been working away from the action, telling the Liverpool Echo: “I am a strong believer that everything happens for a reason to make me stronger. I feel a lot better now than before. I spent a year in the gym and feel in better shape than I ever have been. I learned a lot of new things about my body and how to look after myself. It was a learning experience and will help me in the long run.”
“Obviously, fitness levels need to be high because of the intensity with which the team plays and I’ve done extra sessions to get up to the required level.”
“I had a lot of time to prepare myself mentally for when I did come back and when I had the second setback it kind of put the original injury behind me. Now I am back I don’t really think about it or fear it in any way. You don’t want to be on the pitch worrying. I am just enjoying playing.”
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A player of his potential and his quality can’t be rushed back in yet it seems he feels more than ready for his return. Not only will it be great to see him back on the pitch, but it will be interesting to see how he performs at centre-back with Klopp expected to move the former Charlton man into his preferred position.
He is one to keep an eye on this year. We cannot wait to see how he progresses under the guidance of Klopp.