It has been a quick rise to the top for Joe Gomez.
Less than a year after being handed his Championship debut by Charlton Athletic, he is set to become Liverpool’s latest signing as they look to improve on a disappointing campaign.
Signing for the Merseyside outfit would be a huge step up for the 18 year old, but the Addicks starlet has shown real promise this season which can give Liverpool fans plenty of reason to be excited.
The youngster made 24 senior appearances for Charlton this term on their way to securing a respectable 12th place finish in the division. He also picked up some personal accolades along the way, winning Charlton’s Young Player of the Year award as well as being nominated for the Championship Apprentice of the Year.
Youngster can play in numerous positions
Gomez slotted immediately into the Charlton back-four, being primarily used as a right-back by the South London side. But he has admitted to being more naturally suited to a role in the centre, and standing at 6ft 2in tall with an athletic frame, the youngster is perfect for a role in the centre of defence.
However, he also possesses rapid pace which gives him the versatility to play anywhere along the back four, which could lead to Brendan Rodgers using him more as full back than a centre half.
Despite being practically unknown to those that follow the Premier League, his maturity and level headedness on the ball make him well suited to the top flight, he is certainly a future star.
Gomez prepped to become major international asset
It is no surprise that Gomez has attracted interest from a number of elite clubs in Europe. Although Liverpool now look like the strong favourites to capture his signature, Manchester City, Arsenal and even Borussia Dortmund are all rumoured to be keeping tabs on the Englishman.
It’s not only Liverpool fans who should be expecting big things of Gomez either, with his form on the international stage also impressive.
The teenager is now a regular in the England U-19 setup and a big move to a top Premier League club could be the perfect platform he needs to kick on to the U21’s and maybe in the future, the senior squad.
Catford-born Gomez could become a star
Make no mistake, the hard work he has shown at the Valley will have to continue on Merseyside should he break into the starting 11, with Martin Skrtel, Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren all ahead of him in the pecking order - whilst other youngsters like Tiago Ilori will be looking for their chance in the Reds' side.
However with the Reds looking far from convincing at the back last season, Brendan Rodgers may be looking to shake things up in an attempt to avoid leaking goals, and Gomez could well get his chance whether it be at full back or at the heart of the defence.