Ten Years a Red: Joe Gomez and the Battle to Belong | OneFootball

Joe Gomez: Journey from Charlton to Anfield

It has been a decade since Joe Gomez arrived at Liverpool from Charlton. Just 18 at the time, he stepped into a club brimming with expectation. On debut at Stoke, he looked calm, precise and mature beyond his years. He seemed to glide through the chaos, giving a glimpse of the player he could become.

Photo by IMAGO

Battling Setbacks with Resilience

What followed was not a straight road. Gomez endured a brutal series of injuries, some at moments when he had just started to shine. Many would have drifted away. Joe stayed, both physically and mentally. He rehabbed in silence, never once airing frustration, always working.

His best spell came in 2018–19, partnering Van Dijk at the heart of a title-challenging defence. They were magnificent. Together they defended like champions long before the medals were awarded. But again, injury struck. And again, Joe responded with quiet dignity.

Presence Beyond the Pitch

He has been more than just a player. Joe’s voice in the dressing room, his professionalism, and his guidance to younger teammates have been consistently praised. He has captained Liverpool six times, has never scored, and yet remains a vital figure in the squad.

There is strength in consistency, and Joe has brought that in abundance. He is not a highlight-reel defender. He is a trusted one.

Still Here, Still Hungry

Now 28, Gomez is Liverpool’s longest-serving player. He has worn red for 3,653 days, made 241 appearances, won nine major trophies, and remains as committed as ever. His recent post said it best, “Still hungry to keep going.”

In a game that often forgets yesterday’s names, Joe Gomez has endured. He may not have chants from the Kop, but he has earned something greater…respect.

This is an abridged version; the full article is available on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page: