Gomez taking rollercoaster ride in his stride
The past three months have been 'a constant rollercoaster' for Joe Gomez and, as a trip to Old Trafford approaches, the Liverpool defender is loving every element of the ride.
His Reds journey began back in June, when the club swooped to bring the 18-year-old to Anfield from Charlton Athletic, and it has been an upward trajectory ever since.
A pre-season tour of Asia and Australia. A competitive debut in the Barclays Premier League. A first appearance on home soil for his new team. A call-up to the England U21 squad.
It’s little wonder that when Gomez takes a second to consider what he has achieved in just a quarter of a year, the No.12’s mind whirs with what exactly to discuss first.
But, in another reminder of the composed nature that has helped him impress so quickly, he doesn’t take long to offer a thoughtful and aspirational response.
“It has been a constant rollercoaster for me really,” the young man told Liverpoolfc.com in an exclusive interview which you can watch on LFCTV GO here.
“But I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m just taking it in my stride and trying to keep moving forward instead of trying to stop and look back at what I’ve done. I’ve got a long way to go.
“With the games in the Premier League, there’s not really any time to rest. As soon as you stop, there’s a game on the next Saturday or Monday.
“Especially with the Europa League coming in now, it’s going to be even more strenuous.
“But it’s good and I really enjoy it because it keeps you going and obviously you enjoy playing football. So it’s good to get as many matches in as you can.”
Gomez’s most assured performance so far was perhaps his display at the Emirates on a night when Liverpool left London feeling they deserved more than a 0-0 against Arsenal.
It was the latest in a line of ‘wow’ moments for the versatile defender, though it was a first chance to run out at Anfield that meant more than anything to him.
He explained: “Making my debut at Anfield – that night was special for me.
“Because if you had asked me a year ago if I would make my debut at Anfield in the Premier League, I would have thought ‘no chance’.
“Obviously I had aspirations to play at the top level but the way it has happened has been a real positive for me.
“I’m just enjoying it and trying to keep taking it in my stride because it’s still so early on in the season and there’s so much left to do. I’ve just got to keep trying to move forward.”
Brendan Rodgers’ team travel to Manchester United on Saturday evening with redemption in mind due to the home defeat by West Ham United before the international break.
Gomez will hope to retain his position in the manager’s backline at Old Trafford, though you won’t find him soaking up the scenery if he does get the nod tomorrow.
“I have brief moments where I look back and think ‘wow, this is a big ground’,” he said. “But when it comes down to playing football, it’s just another pitch.
“That’s one of my focuses – to just try to play as I play and try to do well for the team, instead of looking at my individual aspect and thinking for myself.
“I’ve got to try to put in a performance for the team and the supporters. That’s also another factor in why I can’t rest on my laurels.”