5 Brendan Rodgers signings who have thrived under Jurgen Klopp

#4 Joe Gomez

Gomez's versatility makes him an important player for Liverpool

Aged just 21, Joe Gomez can be a future lynchpin for both Liverpool and England.

Gomez was signed by Brendan Rodgers in June 2015 during his last transfer window as Liverpool manager. The youngster arrived from Charlton Athletic during a period of intense unrest among the fans after a disastrous season under Brendan Rodgers in 2014/15.

There were no huge expectations when he arrived, as Liverpool had much bigger concerns at that moment. However, he surprised everyone by starting the first Premier League match of the 2015/16 season at left-back despite being right-footed and a center-back by trade.

Gomez started five Premier League games for Liverpool under Rodgers before an ACL injury kept him out of action for over a year.

So when Jurgen Klopp arrived, Gomez was not in the first team picture. In fact, his only three appearances for Liverpool in 2016/17 were all in the FA Cup.

However, at the start of the 2017/18 season, Liverpool’s failure to sign Virgil van Dijk and a long-term injury to Nathaniel Clyne presented an opportunity for Joe Gomez to stake a claim for either position because of his versatility.

His performance in a 4-0 home win over Arsenal in August was just spectacular. He assisted the first goal and was involved in the build-up of the remaining three goals with his ball recovery and calm, composed passing of the ball from the back.

An England call-up followed and he made his debut as a substitute in a 0-0 draw against Germany but it was his first start for England which came against Brazil that caught the eye. He was awarded the man of the match as England kept World Cup favourites Brazil at bay and Gomez was lauded for his incredible handling of the dangerous Neymar.

Gomez was not included in England’s World Cup squad as he was injured but he can look back at the 2017/18 season with pride as he ended up making 31 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions (28 starts) and also made his debut for England.