Joe Gomez has spoken openly about the growing leadership role he now plays within Liverpool’s squad, admitting it is something that has developed naturally over the last couple of seasons.
With several senior internationals still away, Gomez has found himself among the most experienced players currently training under Andoni Iraola.
Speaking about the responsibility, he said:
“I guess it’s one you kind of grow into – it’s not like an instant thing. I think with time I’ve got more used to it. Everyone does it in their own way and in my way I enjoy it. It’s just something that over the last season or two I’ve got more used to it. Until the likes of Virgil and Ali and so on are back with us, I’m probably one of the older ones here.”
For Liverpool supporters, those comments highlight just how much Gomez has matured since arriving at Anfield as a teenager.
From Prospect to Leader
When Gomez joined Liverpool in 2015, he was viewed as one of England’s brightest young defenders.
A decade later, he is no longer one of the youngsters learning from experienced teammates.
He has become one of the players setting the standards.
It is a role that has developed gradually rather than overnight.
As Gomez himself admits, leadership is something you grow into.
Leading in His Own Way
Not every captain is loud.
Not every leader gives emotional team talks.
Some simply lead through professionalism, consistency and example.
That has always been Gomez’s style.
Throughout difficult periods with injuries and competition for places, he has remained committed, worked hard and earned the respect of teammates and supporters alike.
His willingness to embrace responsibility now is another sign of that maturity.
Important During Pre-Season
With Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and several other senior internationals still unavailable, Gomez has naturally become one of the experienced voices around the AXA Training Centre.
That could prove especially valuable for Liverpool’s younger players, many of whom are spending extended periods training with the first team.
Players such as:
- Rio Ngumoha
- Trey Nyoni
- Josh Abe
- Jeremy Jacquet
- Stefan Bajčetić
can all benefit from learning alongside someone who understands exactly what is required to succeed at Liverpool.
Iraola Will Appreciate His Experience
For a new head coach, experienced professionals are invaluable.
While Andoni Iraola will bring fresh ideas and a new style of play, having respected figures such as Gomez within the dressing room helps those ideas spread more quickly throughout the squad.
Every successful team needs leaders in different ways.
Gomez appears ready to be one of them.
An Underrated Figure
Joe Gomez has often been one of Liverpool’s most underrated players.
Injuries have disrupted his career at times, but whenever called upon he has shown versatility, professionalism and commitment.
He has played at centre-back, right-back and left-back without complaint.
That selfless attitude has made him an important figure behind the scenes, even when he has not always been a regular starter.
Ready for the Next Chapter
Liverpool are entering a new era under Iraola.
The squad is evolving, younger players are emerging and fresh leaders are beginning to establish themselves.
Joe Gomez may never be the loudest voice in the dressing room.
But based on his own words, he is clearly becoming one of its most important.
And for a Liverpool side looking to blend experience with exciting young talent, that could prove just as valuable as any new signing.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Joe Gomez has never proven someone you can consistently rely on. We need a dynamic central midfielder and a strong right back and someone to replace Salah. He leaves a massive void.