Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp refused transfer because of one man - Danny Murphy
LIVERPOOL boss Jurgen Klopp did not sign a new centre-back in the summer because he was convinced Joe Gomez would be the answer to his problems.
Liverpool's Joe Gomez completes impressive drills in training
The is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy.
Gomez has started all four of the Reds’ Premier League games so far this season.
The England international has helped Jurgen Klopp’s side to three clean sheets with Liverpool sitting top of the table with 12 points from 12.
Gomez has had his injury problems since joining Liverpool in 2015 and was often used as a right-back before this season.
Gomez is the reason I think Liverpool didn’t go out and get another centre-half
However, injuries to Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip meant the 21-year-old got his chance.
His impressive performances earned him a recall to the England squad and he played in a back three for Gareth Southgate’s side in the 2-1 Nations League defeat to Spain on Saturday.
This Saturday Liverpool visit Tottenham at Wembley, looking for revenge from last season’s 4-1 defeat at Spurs’ temporary home.
On that occasion, Lovren was given a torrid time by Tottenham striker Harry Kane.
But Murphy is hoping the inclusion of Gomez, alongside the world’s most expensive defender Virgil van Dijk, means it is a harder task for another of his former sides in Spurs.
“I think it’s going to be an interesting battle isn’t it with Kane and (Lucas) Moura, who’s started the season well, and that partnership between Van Dijk and Gomez,” Murphy said.
“Gomez is the reason I think Liverpool didn’t go out and get another centre-half.
“I think they think of him really highly.
“Alongside Van Dijk that is only going to help him, who is really taken to the role at Liverpool and the leadership qualities he’s shown.
“It’s been like a duck to water, he’s been fantastic.
“I think Kane will find it more difficult.
“Well let’s hope he finds it more difficult, for Liverpool’s sake.”