---
title: "Klopp gives special praise to Joe Gomez after excellent run of form"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/jurgen-klopp-praises-joe-gomez-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2020-11-06T13:30:56Z"
modified: "2020-11-06T13:30:56Z"
---

# Klopp gives special praise to Joe Gomez after excellent run of form

Jurgen Klopp has hailed [Joe Gomez](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/10/28/gomez-features-in-list-of-champions-leagues-fastest-players/) as a footballer, praising his form during a difficult period for Liverpool.

Virgil van Dijk’s [cruciate ligament injury](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/virgil-van-dijk-injury-latest-22895217) rocked the Reds’ start to the season, with the Dutchman expected to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Gomez was [not in good form](https://www.rousingthekop.com/2020/10/05/liverpool-might-have-to-worry-about-joe-gomez-after-aston-villa-display/) when Van Dijk’s injury against Everton occurred, but it was vital that he returned to the top of his game in the Dutchman’s absence.

The 23-year-old has responded admirably, however, [playing every minute](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/136451/Show/Joe-Gomez) of the last five matches, all of which Liverpool have won.

[Speaking](https://twitter.com/JamesPearceLFC/status/1324693666250792961?s=20) in his pre-Manchester City press conference this afternoon, Klopp was full of praise for Gomez, lauding his maturity:

> He had so many different defensive partners. He was always the kid in the line-up before.

> But in life, everyone has to grow. He’s used the last few weeks. He was thrown in cold water and did really well.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

I think the criticism of Gomez earlier in the season was over the top, even though it was clear that he was below his best.

It is so easy to forget that the centre-back is still only 23 years of age and still maturing as a footballer. Steven Gerrard had plenty of bad games at that age, for example, but too much is expected in the modern game.

Gomez has been largely excellent in the last month and he will continue to be a key man for many years, starting at City on Sunday. There will be errors here and there as he fine-tunes his game, but the positives easily outweigh the negatives.