Joe Gomez has had a peripheral role for Liverpool this season, but has explained the important responsibility he has had throughout the turbulent run of results.
Gomez made his first Premier League start in 337 days at West Ham, the exact fixture that cruelly all but ended his 2024/25 season after suffering a hamstring injury.
So far this season he has been restricted to 328 minutes despite being fit enough for every matchday squad. However, a recent knee complaint has limited his availability from the start.
That changed on Sunday and Gomez was able to have an influence on the pitch instead of just off it, though his role in supporting his teammates cannot be understated.
“I think it’s trying to keep a positive energy, trying to influence the boys in the right way,” Liverpool’s current longest-serving player told All Red Video about his off-field role.
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“Setting an example on a training pitch, being positive, just keeping the mood [up], trying to keep overall balance on amongst the boys, speaking to the younger lads and just saying, ‘Keep going’.
“Sometimes it’s a small positive comment that can just lift them and keep them in a good place.
“Just know that I’m here for them. All of us are here for you. We’re all supporting each other, and we’re in this together.
“We’re a squad, and these moments when we come through it will only make us stronger and build resilience. We all do what we can.”
Gomez’s first league start since December 2024
While Gomez looks to lift others up, it has not exactly been the smoothest of rides for the defender himself after sitting on the bench for much of the campaign.
The trip to West Ham was his third start of the season and the first outside of the Carabao Cup, and it was a moment that meant a lot to the 28-year-old.
“It means a lot to me,” Gomez said of his start, although he quickly had the team on his mind over himself.
“Last time I was here it’s where I got my first injury, but I do everything I can to stay available and try to help the squad, that’s the main thing.
“The main thing is us sticking together, it’s a tough schedule now, back-to-back, and we’ve just got to go again, and we’ll do that.”
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