Joe Gomez has picked out Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson as teammates who ’embody what it means to be a Liverpool player’ and feels that intangible quality is a big part of the club’s success.
The Reds and England defender has played a substantial role in the first team over the last three seasons, taking his tally to exactly 100 appearances for the club.
At just 23-years-old he is the fourth longest-serving player in the first team, after Henderson, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren, having joined from Charlton in 2015.
Gomez is part of a small group of British players that play regularly for the Premier League leaders, and he believes that two fellow Englishmen are key to the winning mentality within the side.
‘As a collective, we’ve got so many experienced players here and guys who have played for massive clubs and won things at different places,’ Gomez told Liverpool’s official website.
‘I think it is that mix of youth and experience that we’ve got in the team that probably makes such a good blend at the minute.
‘People like Trent, that really embody the city and what it means to be a Liverpool player, then the likes of Hendo, that is a leader who has been here for so many years.
‘Having so many individuals within the team that embrace playing for the club and really enjoy what it means to be a Liverpool player is hopefully what is going to create the formula for winning many more trophies and having more success.’
Gomez has not entirely nailed down his place in the starting XI for Liverpool over his time at the club. He came on from the substitutes’ bench in the last minute of the Champions League final last season, although has returned to first choice this season.
He is pleased with his development since arriving at the club as an 18-year-old, but knows there is much further to go.
‘Hopefully it is just the start of the journey,’ he continued. ‘Five years is a pretty decent length of time, but I hope it is just sort of the opening chapters of what can be many more years here.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.