‘One of a kind’… Joe Gomez says Liverpool sold a really unique player last summer

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Last year there were a lot of changes around Liverpool. It was a time for a new direction for the club. Which meant some of Jurgen Klopp’s strongest pillars departed for pastures new. So that new future stars could end-up walking through the doors at Anfield.

Those changes saw the likes of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Roberto Firmino leave the club. Players who have been with Jurgen Klopp from the very beginning. Players who have all played an integral role in the success of the club over the last few years.

The changes also meant that now one of Liverpool’s longest serving players is Joe Gomez. It feels strange to say that considering he is still only 26-years-old, and has plenty of years ahead of him. But it’s a fact. Gomez has almost been at Liverpool for over a decade. He arrived even before Klopp had joined the club. And now the Liverpool defender has been speaking about the changes which happened last summer.

Joe Gomez on the departure of Jordan Henderson

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Joe Gomez has revealed that he had a close bond with Henderson, and that Liverpool lost a big personality with his departure.

“I’d be lying if I said pre-season we would be flying,” Gomez said. “We lost some big figures. For me personally Hendo was an ever present and he played a big part in my role. He was probably the most compassionate skipper there could be.

“He is one of a kind. It was the same with the gaffer, when I was an 18 year old kid he put his arm around me, but he’d give it to me on the pitch. What a figure. And then Fab and Milly. Losing that and the transition it was like wow this is going to be different, how are we going to deal with it and create a new identity.”

It’s nice to see Gomez speak so highly of Henderson. Liverpool certainly lost a big character off the pitch with his departure. However, it was definitely time for a change. On the pitch, Liverpool desperately needed a new direction in midfield. And that’s been proven so far this season.