The centre-back was one of nine players brought into the starting line-up at Carrow Road on Tuesday night, as Liverpool registered a comfortable 3-0 win.
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Centre-back Joe Gomez labelled the chance to captain Liverpool as a “massive honour” after advancing to round four of the Carabao Cup. The centre-back was one of nine players brought into the starting line-up at Carrow Road on Tuesday night. He was handed the armband for the first time since arriving in 2015. The massive number of changes did not prove to be costly, as the Reds beat Norwich City 3-0. A brace from Takumi Minamino on either side of Divock Origi’s 10th goal in the competition for the club made sure the Reds secured the victory. “It was a massive honour,” he told Liverpoolfc.com after the match.
“Obviously after the period I’ve had, the different injuries and coming back, I’m relishing every minute and on top of that, to be able to captain the side was unbelievable. I really enjoyed it. You’re responsible to try to lead as best you can. Everyone does that in different ways. I knew you don’t want to do anything over the top or out of the ordinary, you want to be yourself. The boys, everyone is unbelievable so there’s not much you need to say; it’s just about trying to be confident and give as much encouragement as possible.”
There were senior debuts for Conor Bradley and Kaide Gordon, while Tyler Morton entered the action from the bench for the second half. “They all did unbelievable,” said Joe Gomez of the trio from the Academy. “A special mention to each and every one of them.
“We saw glimpses in pre-season of how good they are, a lot of training sessions they come up and train with us. They all did unbelievable. It’s not easy to come away without much rhythm and make your debut away at a tough place like this. Each of them did especially well.”
Despite scoring three on the night, the visitors needed Caoimhin Kelleher to save a penalty from Christos Tzolis before the break. Joe Gomez reflected, “We obviously knew it was going to be a tough test, coming away to a Premier League team with this many changes. We knew it wasn’t going to be easy.
“But to come away with a clean sheet and be as clinical as we were, was really positive. Obviously they had their phases in the game but I think overall we can be really happy.”
Recently, Klopp had shuffled his central defensive options as well, with Gomez returning to the team after featuring against AC Milan last midweek. Speaking about the competition for game time in his position, the defender said, “That desire, just try to apply it every day in the gym and on the training pitch. That’s all I can do.”
“I know I’m at a top team with unbelievable players around me and part of that is just trying to play your part to push them. Aside from that, it’s just patience. I’m enjoying being part of it and being fit. I’m at a great facility with great people, a great club. I’ve got to enjoy that and just be ready for when the time comes.”
