Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on new signing Joe Gomez following his assured performance in the Reds’ second game of pre-season on Friday morning, Mirror Sport reports.
The 18-year-old, who joined the club from Championship outfit Charlton Athletic earlier in the summer, impressed his new manager despite being played out of position against Australian A-League outfit Brisbane Roar.
Normally comfortable at centre-half or at right-back, Gomez was asked to fill in on the left-hand side of the Reds backline and his performance warranted special praise from Rodgers, who is now set to give the youngster first-team opportunities in the upcoming season:
“He’s only 18 years of age, but seeing him play at left-back for the first time, he looked an outstanding athlete and a really good footballer,” the Reds boss said, after the match.
“I’ve seen him at centre-half and at right-back, but I wanted to see him at left-back – and I thought he was outstanding.
“He’s staying. I’ve seen enough in this period; you judge young players, I always bring them in and over pre-season have a good idea of whether we’re going to keep them or not,” Rodgers revealed.
The Reds came from a goal down to make it two wins from two in pre-season as goals from Adam Lallana and James Milner secured a 2-1 victory for the Merseyside club.
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Liverpool are back in action on Monday morning as they entertain fellow A-League side Adelaide United hoping to maintain their 100% record in pre-season.
While Rodgers has already spent big during the summer transfer window, he is set to make further forays into the market over the coming weeks and months. According to the BBC, the Northern Irish coach has made a bid for Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke, and a move may well be imminent.