In a sure sign that Liverpool is no longer interested in Paris Saint-Germain left-back Lucas Digne, Reds manager Brendan Rodgers appears to be ready to play 18-year-old Joe Gomez at left-back in place of last summer’s £12 million signing from Sevilla Alberto Moreno.
Gomez was picked up this summer from Charlton Athletic for £3.5 million, and while primarily a centre-half has been used at left-back during pre-season games where his defensive qualities have outshone those of the Spaniard, so much so that the 18-year-old is expected to start against Stoke City on Sunday in the Reds season opener.
Chris Bascombe of The Telegraph says Brendan Rodgers is “likely” to hand the start to the youngster on Sunday saying: ”Rodgers has made it clear Gomez’s youth is no barrier to his selection for such a significant fixture. Although he has played most of his career at centre-half and right back, there are no qualms about him continuing in a left-sided role”.
Quite sparingly Gomez does not seem fazed at all by his meteoritic rise at Anfield telling the Liverpool Echo: “I just have to keep working hard to get in the team. That’s my aim to try and play at Stoke.
“If I do start then I’m confident in my ability and I’ll do my best to help the team.
“I always like to try and stay as relaxed as possible. I do obviously feel pressure but that mainly comes from myself and wanting to do well. And wanting to perform well for my friends and family who are always supporting me. I want to do them proud.”
