Joe Gomez on long-throws and the influence of Virgil van Dijk

Joe Gomez has admitted that he doesn’t want to simply be known as a player who can take long throws, and has paid homage to the impact of Virgil van Dijk on his development.

The Liverpool centre-back has enjoyed an excellent campaign so far in partnership with Van Dijk, and was named Man of the Match after England’s 2-1 win against Croatia on Sunday.

Gomez put in another assured performance for Gareth Southgate’s side, further solidifying the understanding that both England and Liverpool have a prize defensive asset on their hands.

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 24: Joe Gomez of Liverpool in Liverpool’s match against Red Star Belgrade at Anfield on 24 October 2018 in Liverpool, England. (Photograph: Action Images via Reuters)

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And in an interview with The Independent, Gomez explained how, while he’s glad to have the long-throw ability in his locker, he doesn’t want to rely on just one technique – no matter how effective it clearly is.

“I don’t want to build a reputation for just being able to take long throws,” Joe Gomez said.

Gomez’s 35-metre throw-in 77 minutes into England’s UEFA Nations League match with Croatia led to Jesse Lingard poking home the equalising goal, gifting the Three Lions a route back into the game, which they eventually won courtesy of Harry Kane’s late winner.

“It’s not something that we’re going to rely on or feel like that’s all we are going to do when the ball goes out of play, because we’re a footballing side,” Gomez continued. “And likewise, I don’t want to just be seen as that, but we’re buzzing and it’s nice to be involved.

“It’s not like it’s on my mind like I want to use it all the time. But if called upon, if it’s the right moment, then we can try and use it. It doesn’t always work but luckily today for us it helped.

“It was a great feeling to come back from one down. Credit to the boys, we kept fighting and I think it’s that spirit that they showed in the summer.”

Gomez also paid tribute to his centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk, who scored a late equaliser for the Netherlands against Germany last night. Together, the two boast the second best defensive record in Europe.

“Virgil’s been massive. He’s a top player. I think he’s proven that last season and this season,” Gomez said.

“I mean I’m in a great environment to learn. Stonesy [John Stones] here likewise, Harry Maguire, so many players, and Virgil has been massive for me.

“It’s a great group to come into [at England]. The coaching staff, the boys, a great back four as well. Obviously, Stonesy is a top player and we get along and hr helps me as well. Walks [Kyle Walker] likewise on the other side, so it’s a credit to them really, they help me through and I just enjoy being part of something like that for my country.

“I’m still a young player, I’m still learning so all I can try to do is soak up what’s around me and I’ve got great individuals, great people to learn from and inspire to be like as well as how I want to play so I’m grateful to be in the position I’m in and learn from the people I am.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com