Joe Gomez: Liverpool & England defender signs new long-term contract with the Reds after impressing at Anfield
Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has been given a huge boost as he recovers from injury after signing a new five-and-a-half-year deal at Anfield.
The 21-year-old England defender only signed his last contract in January 2017, but has penned a long-term extension to take him up to 2024.
He has impressed this season - in which Liverpool have had the best start to a league campaign in their history - both alongside Virgil Van Dijk in the centre of defence and also at right-back, where he has alternated with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
"Signing this new deal means the world to me," Gomez told the club's website.
"I've been at the club a few years now and have had the pleasure to play for Liverpool and experience what that means, so I am delighted to get the chance to extend my contract here.
"I love the club, I love playing and learning here, and I am happy for that to continue."
Gomez has had his fair share of serious injuries in his relatively short time since joining from Charlton for £3.5m, with a cruciate knee ligament operation on duty with England's Under-21s just days after Jurgen Klopp was appointed manager meaning he had a long road back.
"I love the club, I love playing and learning here, and I am happy for that to continue." 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 10, 2018
👇 @J_Gomez97 👇
He duly recovered only for an ankle problem, this time playing for the Gareth Southgate's senior side, denying him a Champions League final appearance and selection for the World Cup in Russia.
However, the manner in which he has bounced back is impressive and this season he has established himself as Klopp's preferred partner for Van Dijk in the centre of a defence which has conceded just six league goals in 16 matches so far.
The broken leg, sustained at Burnley last week, will keep him out for six weeks but the young defender just sees it as another obstacle to overcome.
"Obviously I am devastated with the timing of it. You never want to get injured," he said.
"I've been here a few years and I am still young, but it's something I'm used to and I am capable of dealing with setbacks like this. I've done it before and I'll do it again.
"You never want to be injured, as a player you always want to play. It will be tough for me sitting out for a while, but I will do everything I can to get back better and stronger.
"I am learning under a great manager and great coaching staff and have all the tools around me to keep progressing and learning. I am looking forward to it."
Klopp - Liverpool the perfect home for Gomez
Reds boss Klopp says Gomez is one of England's best defenders and feels he is at the perfect club to develop even further.
A big character, both on and off the pitch. 🙌
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 10, 2018
Some of @J_Gomez97's memorable moments at the Reds so far. 🔴🔴 pic.twitter.com/xcU1YG5PDs
“It’s really nice news that makes a lot of sense to everyone involved," said Klopp. “Joe’s development and progression has been outstanding in the past couple of seasons and I only see his trajectory heading in an upward direction.
“He is so keen to learn and so keen to improve that I think his potential has no limit. Already this season we have seen him mature on the pitch and the credit for that goes 100 per cent to Joe himself for the attitude he has.
“His versatility is something that makes him even more valuable. He can play centre-half in almost any system you can think of, plus both full-back positions.
“It is no exaggeration to say he is one of England’s best defenders already, but when you keep in mind he is still very young the room for further improvement and development is just so exciting.
“I think Liverpool is the perfect home for him now. We benefit from each other – player and club.
“We are the perfect environment for him to achieve his full potential and he makes our team and squad stronger. I love how much he looks to learn from every person in our dressing room. He soaks up the experience, while at the same time finding his own path.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing him take his career to the next level. Of course at the moment he has this injury, but he has already made a big contribution to this season and I have zero doubt when he returns he’ll not skip a beat from the high level he was at.”
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