5 Things We Learned From Liverpool Vs. Brisbane Roar

5. Joe Gomez Will Not Be Loaned Out

Brendan Rodgers confirmed in his post-match press conference that new signing Joe Gomez will not be loaned out and he will compete for a first team place this season. The defender looked confident playing at left back today and showed nice link up play with Adam Lallana during the first half. The former Charlton player who played mainly at centre back for the Addicks last season looked impressive despite playing out of position and defended tidily throughout. The 18-year-old who signed for £3.5 million on a three-year-deal was widely speculated to be loaned back out to a Championship side but has clearly made an impact on Rodgers. He told the Liverpool Echo after the game:

€œHe€™s staying. I€™ve seen enough in this period; you judge young players, I always bring them in and over pre-season have a good idea of whether we€™re going to keep them or not. €œSeeing him, in particular close at hand and his personality €“ he€™ll be staying, he€™ll get games. €œHe€™s only 18 years of age, but seeing him play at left-back for the first time, he looked an outstanding athlete and a really good footballer. I€™ve seen him at centre-half and at right-back, but I wanted to see him at left-back €“ and I thought he was outstanding.€