Gomez sees Liverpool future in central defence

Joe Gomez’s defensive versatility may be of benefit to Liverpool but the man himself claims his future lies at centre-back.

When coming through the Charlton Athletic academy and breaking into the Addicks first-team, Gomez was seen primarily as a right-back, with the ability to cover at centre-half if needed.

He joined Liverpool 18 months ago and, after recently completing a gruelling rehabilitation from anterior cruciate ligament and Achilles injuries, he has been employed at the heart of the Reds’ defence.

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The 19-year-old – who signed a new contract at Anfield on Friday, with the terms set to come into effect from July 1 – is still happy to fill in at full-back but is adamant that a central role will become his bread and butter under manager Jurgen Klopp.

“Ideally, that’s where I want to grow and develop, as a centre-back,” said Gomez.

“It has been nice to get the opportunity to play there under the manager – he has been giving me advice and helping me develop into the best centre-back I can be.

“It’s nice to get a chance to play there, as well as looking to be versatile because it can only help the team if you can play other positions.

“But, ideally, going forward and as I get older I’d like to try to make that my position.

“My main focus is just to keep my head down and keep learning. I know I have a lot left to learn and a long way to go.

“I’m thankful to be in the position to do it here and I just want to keep doing that now.”