MY ACCOUNT
Liverpool are planning a midfield revamp — and samba starlet Joao Gomes could be set for a move to Merseyside.
The Brazilian prospect is reportedly on the Reds’ radar, having caught the eye with Flamengo in his homeland.
And manager Jurgen Klopp will be keen to bring one of South America’s hottest talents to Anfield after his side’s disappointing campaign so far.
Ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham this afternoon, we take a look at what Gomes would offer his prospective employers.
Who is Gomes?
Despite his tender years, Gomes has already made over 100 appearances for Flamengo in all competitions.
Last Saturday, he started and played the full 90 minutes in his side’s Copa Libertadores final triumph, beating Athletico Paranaense 1-0.
The 21-year-old has a wealth of experience for someone so young — a fact that is unlikely to be lost on Klopp and his wider recruitment team at Liverpool.
Anfield dream
Encouragingly for the Reds, Gomes has expressed a keenness to join them.
The young midfielder revealed his admiration for Liverpool star Thiago Alcantara and would surely relish the prospect of playing with — and learning from — the Spain international.
He said: “I look at Thiago Alcantara [for inspiration].
“Liverpool is a team I would play for.
“Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream. My biggest dream in football.”
A tough tackler
The skill that sets Gomes apart from the crowd is undoubtedly his tackling.
He is a prolific ball-winner — and arguably among the very best enforcers currently playing in Brazil.
His eagerness to win the ball back can result in the occasional misdemeanour, though.
Gomes does have a propensity to commit fouls, although six yellow cards in 25 league appearances this season does not depict an overly rash player.
An active presser
Gomes’ ball-winning qualities may lead to comparisons with his compatriot at Liverpool, Fabinho.
However, the Rio de Janeiro native typically operates in a slightly more advanced role, often playing on either side of a midfield trio or diamond or as part of a double pivot rather than playing as a lone defensive midfielder.
Flamengo’s No35 can frequently be found winning the ball high up the pitch, as well as in his own defensive third.
That willingness to press makes Gomes an excellent fit for Klopp’s high-octane style at Anfield.
Liverpool’s options
Liverpool are by no means short of bodies in midfield — but the Reds certainly have issues in that area.
Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have hardly featured this term due to injury, with Arthur Melo brought in on loan as a result. However, he promptly suffered an injury of his own and has played just 14 minutes of football.
All three, along with 36-year-old James Milner — who appears to have joined the absentees list after being forced off in the 2-0 win over Napoli — are set to leave Liverpool for nothing at the end of this season as things stand.
Milner is also one of three central midfielders — together with Jordan Henderson and Thiago — that are over 30.
Gomes would help bring down the age profile of Liverpool’s midfield, joining Harvey Elliott, Fabio Carvalho and Curtis Jones as hot prospects for the future.
