121 successful passes, three clearances: Liverpool star shines in return at Preston

By Will Butcher

Liverpool earned a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night – and Joe Gomez produced a near-perfect display against Preston.

Gomez, 24, has been forced to watch from the sidelines for much of this season after returning from injury. He has played just 311 minutes.

His two Premier League outings have come from the bench, as late substitutes against Burnley and Manchester City.

Reports from 90Min claim that he is becoming ‘agitated’ and that if his position does not change, then he could leave Liverpool in January.

He started alongside Joel Matip at Deepdale, after Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk played against Manchester United in Sunday’s 5-0 win.

Certainly, Gomez sent a reminder to Klopp with his performance – proving impenetrable defensively and excellent while in possession.

Gomez stats: A reminder for Liverpool boss Klopp

Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi got the goals in the 2-0 win. But, Gomez gave Liverpool the platform to go on and book their last-eight slot.

The £75k-a-week (Spotrac) star completed 121 of his 131 passes, won eight aerial battles – more than any other Liverpool player, as per WhoScored.

He also produced three clearances, leaving Preston fruitless in the final third. Certainly, a well-timed reminder for Klopp, amid reports.

Unfortunately for Gomez, and through no fault of his own, he is probably fourth choice at the moment. Perhaps January is needed, after all.