Michael Owen: Liverpool FC star’s rapid development is amazing
The Liverpool FC legend heaps praise on Joe Gomez for his rapid development at Anfield
Michael Owen has heaped praise on Liverpool FC defender Joe Gomez for his “rapid” development for both club and country.
The 20-year-old defender returned from a serious knee problem back in August when he started his first Premier League game since 2015.
Gomez helped Liverpool to ease to a 1-0 win against Crystal Palace at Anfield as the versatile defender completed his first 90 minutes under Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds boss has handed Gomez another seven starts and one substitute appearance in the 2017-18 Premier League campaign so far.
His performances for Liverpool earned the former Charlton Athletic defender a call-up to the England squad for the recent international break.
Gomez made his debut as a substitute in a goalless draw with world champions Germany before he started England’s 0-0 stalemate with Brazil.
The Liverpool star was praised for keeping the world’s most-expensive player Neymar under wraps during the friendly at Wembley.
Former Liverpool striker Owen, who burst onto the international stage as a 17-year-old, believes Gomez is in good shape to be included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the World Cup.
Owen wrote on BetVictor: “Joe Gomez was outstanding for England against both Germany and Brazil in their recent friendly internationals and I note BetVictor make the young defender an 11/4 shot to make Gareth Southgate’s 23-man England squad for the World Cup in Russia next summer – that looks a very fair price given his rapid rate of development.”
Liverpool signed Gomez in a £5m deal from League One side Charlton in the 2015 summer transfer window.
The Reds defender started Liverpool’s opening five games in the 2015-16 season before his campaign came to an end after a serious knee problem.
