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Liverpool: Kevin Campbell reacts to Joe Gomez contract news
Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has delivered his reaction to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez signing a new contract.
The lowdown: Gomez sticking around
The 25-year-old found himself down the centre-back pecking order last season having returned from injury, with Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and new arrival Ibrahima Konate dominating the minutes for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
That loss of favouritism led to links with a move away this summer, with Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa the leading protagonists, but this week Gomez put pen to paper on a lucrative new deal to stay at Anfield until 2027.
Having now put any doubts surrounding his future to bed, one onlooker has had his say on what the future holds for the former Charlton academy prospect…
The latest: Campbell questions contract decision
Speaking to Football Insider, former Everton frontman Campbell suggested that the 11-cap England ace could be making a mistake by staying put as a likely fourth choice.
The talkSPORT pundit said: “Listen, it would be a great deal for Liverpool. I would question Joe Gomez though. At his age, to not be starting… How many games does he start in a season?
“I know Liverpool go for every trophy and he will play some games in the cups but is that really enough? He is an England international. In a World Cup year he should be thinking, ‘I want to be somewhere where I will play so I can get in the England squad.’
“If he feels comfortable and is happy with the opportunities he is getting fair enough. That is up to him. For me, I don’t think he is going to play enough next season.”
The verdict: More to come
Gomez – who was hailed as a ‘special player’ by journalist James Pearce in 2020 – still managed 21 appearances across all competitions for the Reds last season, playing 1,036 minutes in total whilst making his way back from a horrendous knee injury.
Although no longer the first choice partner to Van Dijk, this coming season in particular looks set to be a testing one on the schedule, with a World Cup in the middle of the campaign. Therefore, having a depth of options at the 25-year-old’s level could be massive for Klopp in the long-term.
Were Liverpool right to give Gomez a new deal?
Yes
No
Despite perhaps no longer being the jewel in the crown of the Liverpool backline, as was the case back in 2017/18, Gomez should continue to get enough action to warrant his place in the squad, as he certainly still has an abundance of talent and looks destined to enjoy a long and fruitful career at Anfield.
Whether or not the game-time and indeed form is enough to earn a place in the England ranks for the Qatar tournament in November remains to be seen, but ultimately it could be down to persistent injuries curtailing the progress of top talent as opposed to him being held back by Liverpool.
