Jurgen Klopp insists that Joe Gomez will play “a lot of games” for Liverpool following his performance against Watford.
Gomez started at right-back in the Saturday early kick-off, in place of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who had to settle for a place on the bench after recently recovering from a hamstring injury. Gomez provided the assist for Diogo Jota’s opening goal, and played a key role in helping Liverpool keep their 18th clean sheet of the campaign in the top flight.
It was just the 24-year-old's sixth Premier League appearance this season, and only his second start, having previously only featured for just 105 minutes before the clash against Watford. This lack of game time has led to tentative speculation over Gomez's future at Anfield.
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But speaking in his post-match press conference, Klopp insists the defender has a part to play for Liverpool in the short and long-term. The Reds boss also explained why he opted to go with the former Charlton Athletic youngster rather than throw in Alexander-Arnold.
“Not only this today, we had a lot of game-changers from the bench,” said Klopp, when asked about fringe players coming in and making an impact. “Even when we rotate and the boys don't start they’re never disappointed, and Joey was obviously not disappointed today.
“It was clear Joe could, unfortunately, train with us for a full week, because he was not on international duty. We already knew it was tight for Trent, and at the beginning of the week we didn't even know there might be a chance.
“Then we saw there was a chance, but because we saw Joey the whole week in training it was clear that he will start there (at right-back), and he did really well.
“He could have set up a second goal. Defensively we don't have to talk, offensively [he had] some good moments and some not so good moments, because then you see the position he gets against a deep-sitting opponent it’s not too easy to find the right position.
“He’s an outstanding ball player and he will play a lot of games in his career, he will play here a lot of games, definitely. This season was tricky for him, but who knows how things can change. He is ready. To use the opportunity when he gets it.”
Fabinho sealed the 2-0 victory over Watford from the penalty spot that took Liverpool to the top of the Premier League before Manchester City resumed their place at the summit with a 2-0 win of their own at Burnley.
