Liverpool defender signs new long-term deal

Mark Scott
Joe Gomez: Wanted by Real

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez has signed a new long-term contract, the club have announced.

The 19-year-old has made nine appearances for the club, but has seen his progress stunted significantly by a series of injuries since joining in 2015.

The England Under-21 international made an impression under Brendan Rodgers, but knee and Achilles problems have held him back since then, limiting his playing time before a return to first-team action against Plymouth in the FA Cup.

On his return to fitness, he told the club website: “I feel good, very good. I’m back training normally and have been for a good while now. Obviously, it was nice to get some minutes in the last two FA Cup games.

“Now it’s about me trying to push on and keep learning – learning from the team. I’ve got good role models in front of me: Dejan (Lovren), Joel (Matip), Ragnar (Klavan), Lucas and so on.

“It’s a great environment for me to be in and I’m just trying to learn each day from them, as well as trying to push and challenge them at the same time. It’s good and I feel good.”

After signing the long-term deal, he added: “It’s a massive gesture from the club to show that trust and faith in me.

“That’s why it was so important I did the same and done it so quickly, because I’m very happy here. I’ve loved living here and playing here and learning under the new manager, so it was a quick decision.”