Liverpool's Joe Gomez has insisted that his excellent versatility can only improve him, as he looks to gain valuable match time in the 2015-16 season.
Gomez completed a move from Charlton just last month, for a fee in the region of £3.5million, and has already been thrust into the limelight during Liverpool's pre season tour of Australasia.
Playing across the defence
Having played mostly on the right side of defence or at centre-back during his time at The Addicks, it was expected that Brendan Rodgers would employ him in this position during pre-season.
However, Gomez featured at left-back in the games against True Thai All Star's and Brisbane Roar, as the Reds ran out victors 4-0 and 2-1 respectively.
Not only featuring in those games, he excelled too, gaining a number of plaudits from players and fans alike.
Asked about the left-back role, Gomez commented that it "wasn't a natural position for me," but Rodgers had made him aware that "playing in more than one position gives me a good opportunity to try and get games."
No loan for Gomez
There had been much talk of the 18-year-old going out on loan in a bid to secure more first team football in the coming season, but this is talk that Rodgers has rubbished. The Ulsterman explained that Gomez would be staying at Anfield for the 15-16 campaign, after showing excellent talent during his early training sessions.
This comes as a boost for the youngster, who told that "it was a boost to hear", yet was assured in saying that he still has much work to do and "it's just the start," for him.
The fans are "an eye opener"
As ever, Liverpool have recieved a huge reception in Australia, with 50,000 fans watching their game against Brisbane Roar.
This is something new for Gomez, who called stepping into such a packed stadium "an eye opener", adding that he had got the chance to realise "how great Liverpool's support is."
Next up for the defender is a game against Adelaide United on Monday morning, as he and his teammates look to continue their strong form. Read a preview of that friendly, here.