Gomez: I love to challenge myself
Joe Gomez admits he has relished the opportunity of playing in a new position at left-back for Liverpool this season – and he’s aiming to maintain his excellent start to life at Anfield.
The 18-year-old has been an ever-present in Brendan Rodgers’ first team so far this term and has earned many plaudits for his mature performances.
Speaking with FA.com, he explained: “I’m just trying to learn and constantly challenge myself.
“I prefer being somewhere when I’m a bit out of my depth and need to challenge myself.
“At Charlton, I was playing at right-back so I suppose it’s similar, but it is a bit different being on my weaker foot.
“But, it’s all helping me. I’d like to play centre-back eventually in the coming years, but it helps me positionally to play as a full-back.
“And I’m enjoying it, getting up and down the wing and it’s been good.”
Gomez is thoroughly enjoying life on Merseyside and is eager to continue his progress by rewarding the faith Rodgers has shown in him.
He added: “It has been surprising for me. In the last year, I got the chance to play for Charlton, which was a great experience for me and then, off the back of that season, I had the opportunity to go to Liverpool.
“That was something which I really couldn’t turn down and I’ve enjoyed it.
“They’ve made it really easy for me to settle in, but having that season playing first-team football in the Championship helped me prepare myself to go to Liverpool.”
The youngster is in line to make his England U21 debut against the USA at Preston North End’s Deepdale on Thursday night.
Gomez is joined in Gareth Southgate’s squad by Anfield teammate Jordon Ibe, and he admits having his presence alongside him is a big help.
He added: “I’ve got on well with Jordon and have been quite close to him since I moved to Liverpool, so it’s helped with him being here too.
“We’re a similar age, we’re the young boys in the team and we’re both from London so we get on well. I’ve really enjoyed it so far and it’s been a good experience of my first time coming away with the U21s.
“Here, with the older boys and experienced players who have played a lot of first-team football, it’s something I relish and as well as trying to learn from them, it’s a challenge as well.
“That’s something I prefer to do, rather than settling for playing at my normal level.”